This post is written in response to this article on New Scientist.com
Yesterday, Michael Callahan, co-founder of Ambient Corporation, demonstrated a neckband that allows for "telepathic" chat. The neckband can sense signals being sent from the brain to the vocal cords and translate them into computerized text or speech, even if no words are actually spoken. While this is still much different from actual mind reading, in that the sub-vocalization must be intentional on the user's part, it demonstrates the potential for tapping into the brain's signals. This brings up an ethical dilemma. Certainly, tapping into brain signals can be very useful in aiding the disabled. In theory, sight could be restored to the blind, hearing to the deaf, mobility to the disabled. On the other hand, there is the potential that technology could be developed to tap into your inner most thoughts. Even taking the current technology a step further to read audio signals that were never intended to leave the mind would present a serious privacy issue. In a world where panopticon is becoming reality, our thoughts may become our last refuge from peering eyes. We should protect our privacy of thought and never take the step into true mind reading.
4 comments:
Heck I want a hat like that just for the looks of it. That thing is sweet! I don't want anyone in my thoughts though.
Hat, nothing. I want the beard.
In relation to the post, however, I find that this is the sort of ethical warfare we are already losing. Working from a functional definition of ethics as how one behaves for the benefit of all when there is no law to govern actions (coming from the Greek concepts of agathon, nomos, and phusis), it is easy to see where this is already a part of our lives. We have security cameras on street corners, GPS trackers in our cell phones, and a proposed national ID card that will preclude other identification. All these are proposed for the purpose of safety or convenience. I hate to be a pessimist, but all that we can do is rage against the coming of the night and fight these sorts of intrusions into our rights. When someone starts telling me this vocalization technology is necessary for my safety, I will rage. On a slightly related note, permit me to end with a quote I believe comes from Upton Sinclair: "When fascism comes to the United States, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." Be suspicious of anyone who endorses your values and beliefs to his or her benefit. Which is my way of saying, beware of politicians.
The beard is the mind control device, the hat is just there for looks. ;)
EDIT: Sinclair Lewis - I always get those two mixed up. Sorry.
Post a Comment