ABSTRACT
Can someone with episodic amnesia consent to participate in a scientific experiment? We address this question from philosophical and experimental perspectives. First, we consider the practice of obtaining consent from both the individual with amnesia and their guardian; we argue that this “dual consent” approach offers no moral advantage over more traditional models of consent by proxy. We then argue on theoretical grounds that one need not recall the moment of consent for consent to endure. Finally, we argue on experimental grounds that individuals with episodic amnesia likely have the cognitive capacities required to understand their situation, to consent voluntarily, and to do so with their relevant capacities intact. We hope this focused discussion of the possibility of consent in episodic amnesia is a window on an exciting set of questions about what, if anything, episodic memory contributes to the distinctive lives of persons that cannot be contributed by other cognitive systems, either alone or in concert.
