Neurointerventions in crime prevention: an ethical analysis
Year of award: 2013
Grantholders
Dr Thomas Douglas
University of Oxford
Project summary
Neurally active drugs, and other interventions, are increasingly being used or advocated for crime prevention, for example testosterone-lowering agents to prevent recidivism in sexual offenders. These propose serious ethical quandaries, despite the acceptance there needs to be a new method of preventing crime. Dr Douglas' research employs empirically informed philosophical analysis to develop a comprehensive account of whether and when crime preventing neurointerventions may permissibly be offered, imposed or provided by the state or medical profession.