The 21st century will not only see groundbreaking new discoveries about the brain, but will also witness the development of revolutionary new 'neuro-technologies': Intelligence enhancers, neuro-cosmetics, designer-feelings, memory facilitators and suppressors. Intervention in the brain - whether pharmacological, electronic, or surgical - could become an every-day event. These technologies, together with specific genetic modifications have unparalleled therapeutic potential, but there are also fears of misuse and manipulation. Taken together, the remarkable possibilities - many on the verge of becoming reality - give rise to a new image of man, one that calls into question concepts such as soul, rationality, morality, and responsibility. For all those interested in the future of our species, this book provides a thought-provoking glimpse of things to come.

Hersteller:
Springer Verlag GmbH
juergen.hartmann@springer.com
Tiergartenstr. 17
DE 69121 Heidelberg

Rudy Vaas is a philosopher, publicist and science journalist for the monthly magazine "Bild der Wissenschaft" (similar to New Scientist). He holds degrees in biology, philosophy and German language/literature and has specialized in neuro-philosophy and brain research. He is the author of numerous popular books and articles, as well as technical papers - for example in the four-volume lexicon of neuro-science.

Introduction: The Century of the Brain.- Pushed Brains: Brain Chemistry and Drugs.- Extended Brains.- Technologically-EnhancedBrains.- Sympathetic Brains.- Endangered Brains.- Demystified Brains.