From Covert Consciousness to Human Rights: Neuroethics and the Neuroscience of Disorders of Consciousness

In this lecture, Dr. Joseph J. Fins will address how progress in the neurosciences (neuroimaging and neuroprosthetics) has revolutionized our understanding of disorders of consciousness and opened up the possibility of restoring functional communication for these patients. A worthy scientific pursuit, he will argue that catalyzing a re-emergent voice from covert consciousness is a moral imperative, which can help reintegrate patients into the nexus of home and community. As such, this effort is a civil rights issue for a population long marginalized. But for rights to come to mind, patients will need greater access to medical care, research and commitment from the neuroscience community.