Severe Brain Injury, Neuroethics & Disability Rights: Why the Sciences & Humanities must be in Conversation

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of consciousness heighten the possibility of recovery but also raise value questions that require more than scientific expertise. To address the challenge of covert consciousness, the promise and possibility of emerging therapeutics, and ensure the promotion of disability rights, neuroscience must be in conversation with the humanities. Drawing upon his experience with novel trials such as the use of deep brain stimulation in severe brain injury, Dr. Fins will emphasize the importance of epistemic pluralism – drawing on the sciences and humanities – when adressing medical advances in research and practice.