the phenomenon of “Split Brain”, a condition in which the connection between the

Question

the phenomenon of “Split Brain”, a condition in which the connection between the two brain hemispheres is severed, as a last resort surgery to prevent severe epileptic seizures.

Similarly, the frontal lobes and portions of the limbic system are important in the control of emotions; surgery that severs the connections to and from these portions of the brain or surgery that removes them (partially or entirely) can have a profound effect on behavior. Similarly, electrically stimulating these portions of the brain can have a significant effect on behavior.

Questions:

Under what circumstances (if any) do you think psychosurgery or electrical stimulation of people’s brains might be warranted?

Should those with a chronic history of violent criminal offenses have the option of being treated with psychosurgery or electrical brain stimulation for a reduced sentence or as an alternative to the death penalty?

What potential ethical concerns can you think of regarding sentence reduction?

Racial, ethnic, social justice concerns

Power differential between prisoner and medical staff

Informed consent

Explanation / Answer

Psychosurgery refers to the surgical disconnection or ablation of brain tissues for intended alteration of cognitive or affective states that are caused due to metal illness. I believe those with a chronic history of violent criminal offenses must be provided with the option of being treated by psychosurgery or electrical brain stimulation for a reduced sentence to prevent death penalties. If a surgery can completely change the behavior and thought process of an individual, it is perhaps better to try it rather than imposing death penalty. There may arise certain social justice concerns, however, if psychosurgery is chosen over death penalty for various crimes and criminals as it may send out a negative message in the public that no one will have to face such harsh penalties no matter what he/she does.

However, performing psychosurgery on anyone may sound unethical in the first place because no human being has the authority to change the personality of another person devoid of his/ her consent. It is also against the ethics to alter human brain without a person’s written informed consent that he/ she doesn’t mind such a surgical removal of any part of his/her brain to alter his/her behavior.

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