Scientists generally believe that brain organoids (3D aggregation of tissues that mimic parts of the brain’s structure) are too simple to support consciousness. However, there is a theoretical possibility that as brain organoids become more refined, they may one day pass that threshold.
Brain organoids that have been created so far usually represent only a part of the brain at a time. They are used to study brain development, diseases, and drug side effects without the need for the brain of animals or humans.
You might like it
The Live Science poll asked readers if it’s okay to experiment with laboratory-grown “brains” if they become conscious. Approximately 657 readers responded before the vote ended.
Approximately 25% of respondents believe that conscious organoids should not be tried, but using unconscious organoids with close surveillance is fine. Another 23% believe there is no ethical way to experiment with them.
Meanwhile, 22% of readers said they would support the creation of new rules that take into account organoid welfare, while another 19% believe that no regulations need to be changed. The remaining readers were undecided.
Related: Can Mini Space Cultivated Organs Become Our “Cancer Moonshot”?
Some readers warned that the study was not foresightful. “Is there a roadmap that leads to? Confining conscious entities in a lab plate doesn’t sound right,” writes Duvidhameiaiaadmi.
Some argued that scientific benefits justify risk. “If merit is outweighing moral challenges, do it quickly, make it as humane as possible, and make it as humane as possible, and make sure that everyone knows that this needs to be done or that life-changing breakthroughs don’t happen,” Godparticle writes. “Here, when you gain consciousness, there really is no breakthrough worthy of these literal lives of these created beings. You have no mouth and you need to scream…”
To others, moral boundaries seemed very clear. “Obviously, there is a moral obligation to stop experimenting if there is a sign of consciousness,” commented Toby, while Godparticle commented, “We do, but we don’t become the boss of scientists or their corporate/education.”
Yet another thought the dilemma would sound like a storyline from Star Trek: The Next Generation. (stng) “To be honest, I have no idea about this at all – the positive implications of the experiment are big, but I think we need to solve where humanity is… I feel very STNG issues,” Slater said.
One respondent highlighted what was considered a contradiction in ethical concerns about other entities. “It’s touching to see people cry on brain cells in a dish. But when a monkey is dissected alive, a dog is poisoned, or billions of pigs are ground on the ground every year on the factory lines, where does that sacred compassion go?” Asish wrote.
What do you think? Share your views in the comments below.
Source link
