ABSTRACT
Within the larger neuroethical debate regarding functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning, the nonclinical application of medical technology is one of the more intriguing issues. One such application focuses on the use of this medical tool in a national security context. Authors such as Jonathan Marks (2010; see also Chapter 11) and Apoorva Mandavilli (2006) have voiced clear concern regarding the nonmedical usage of this technology. After all, medical technology is designed to heal by directly treating an illness, by assisting medical staff in diagnosing a particular problem, or by furthering medical research. This is the only truly legitimate way to use medical technology, one could claim. To use fMRI technology outside of the clinical context stands in opposition to the intended use of this neuroscientic tool. Those such as Marks and Mandavilli can strengthen this claim by pointing to the fact that in a national security context, the targets of these scans are vulnerable populations whose rights have already been violated by the State. fMRI technology
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 199 fMRI Lie Detectors and National Security ............................................................200 An Illegitimate Nonclinical Usage of fMRI? .........................................................202 Biopower and the Medical Character of the State .................................................204 State Racism and Neuroethical Applications .........................................................205 Methodological Concerns ......................................................................................206 Guantanamo Bay: National Security Clinic ...........................................................208 Where Do We Go from Here? ................................................................................ 211 Notes ...................................................................................................................... 214 References .............................................................................................................. 215
becomes a tool of oppression, rather than a tool of healing. As such it is illegitimate to use neuroimaging for the purposes of national security.
