Eric Kandel is a neuroscientist who is well-known for his work on learning and memory. A particular focus of many scientists in relation to Kandel's findings includes the ethical implications of the findings of his work. Kandel's work helped to highlight the philosophy of learning and memory.
Kandel studied learning and memory using animal models. A famous animal model he focused on was the Mediterranean sea slug (Garbutt, 2020). He conducted several experiments on this sea slug and demonstrated the concept of synaptic plasticity in learning and the role of a molecule called cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in forming long-term memories (Kandel, 2012). His work helped to foster research into cognitive enhancers, raising ethical concerns about the idea of neuroenhancement.
Kandel's work has many implications for our lives. For one, it calls into question whether it is right to improve the memory power and learning abilities of others. It also calls into question what a "normal" mind may mean in the future with the introduction of neuroenhancers. Furthermore, there may be blurred boundaries in the future where neuroenhancement is considered therapeutic versus recreational. Overall, Kandel's work opens up a philosophical discussion over whether it is ethical to improve learning and memory in humans.
References:
Garbutt, T (2020, March 10). Eric Kandel: Learning about the Human Brain from Sea Slugs. Lasker Foundation. https://laskerfoundation.org/eric-kandel-learning-about-the-human-brain-from-sea-slugs/
Kandel, E. R. (2012). The molecular biology of memory: cAMP, PKA, CRE, CREB-1, CREB-2, and CPEB. Molecular Brain, 5, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-6606-5-14
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