• Co-ordinator: Dr. phil. Thorsten Galert, M.A.

• Duration: 4/06–9/09

• Funding: Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

The nervous system belongs to the most important physiological systems of the human body and nearly every organ is under neuronal influence. Disturbances of the neuronal system can, therefore, have far-reaching health consequences. In the 1960s it was barely conceivable to intervene in this complex system with the aim of restoring failing functions. Due to enormous progress it became possible, for example, to help deaf people with so-called cochlea implants so that 80% to 90% can understand spoken language. 
Based on this success story it is now being discussed whether such techniques can also be used not only for restoring, but also for enhancing the capacities of healthy humans. 
The study will examine the ethical, legal and social implications of these developments – it will include questions on the moral evaluation of enhancement techniques, the assessment of the potential for abuse, safety and liability issues, and problems of fair distribution.