The ethics of deep brain stimulation

Grantholders

  • Dr Jonathan Pugh

    Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics

Project summary

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a potentially promising new therapy, yet it raises issues relating to core values in medical ethics, such as wellbeing, autonomy and authenticity. 

This project will investigate the moral constraints that should guide and limit novel therapeutic applications of DBS. Key aims include developing policy recommendations and ethical guidelines, and clarifying the ethical and legal significance of consent and competence in the context of carrying out experimental DBS.