Brain Bee Chapter 18: Neuroscience in Society

What is Neurolaw?

The law must decide whether persons that are affected medically should be treated by the law differently

Give an example of a situation that would come under Neurolaw.

Drug use changes the brain and especially the prefrontal cortex. This area controls impulse and suppresses cravings. From this perspective, ongoing drug use looks more like a symptom of drug addiction and less like a bad choice.

• Judges and scientists must now decide whether these people should be jailed or if they should get rehabilitation

What is Neuroeconomics

Neuroeconomics focuses on decisions that are unclear, involve risk, or include unknown factors

Give an example of something that falls under the umbrella of Neuroeconomics

• During double or nothing games, the insular cortex becomes more active when a player risks it all

• Hormones also have an effect. Oxytocin is a hormone linked to social bonding. When participants were given Oxytocin, they were more trusting

What are the ethics of Neuroscience?

Modern science can change some of society’s most basic beliefs, and brain science raises many ethical questions.