ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ethical issues concerning the ongoing debate and research on cognitive enhancement, specifically focusing on the potential implications of implantable brain devices and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) on autonomy, mental privacy, and freedom of thought. I highlight the importance of underlining the differences, side effects, and implications of the multifaceted strategies and technologies of cognitive enhancement to avoid the trivialization of enhancements such as brain implants. Invasive brain implants and BCI not only enhance but alter sensory and physical capabilities of human beings through transgression of biological boundaries by technological means, which is an alarmingly controversial issue. Finally, I connect the discussion to Arendt’s examination of thoughtlessness, and the urgent need to resist thoughtlessness as a preventative measure before diving into anything new that becomes techno-scientifically possible yet might be murderous.
