concept

brain organoids

Also known as: brain organoid

Facts (25)

Sources

Global Versus Local Theories of Consciousness and the ... link.springer.com Springer 25 facts

perspectiveRelying exclusively on global theories to build assessment tools for detecting consciousness in brain organoids may cause researchers to overlook phenomena that emerge at a local scale.

perspectiveSkeptical accounts regarding the emergence of human-like consciousness in brain organoids are often grounded in an anthropocentric or neurotypical concept of consciousness as the primary ethical standard.

claimSome scholars argue that neuroethics should address the uncertainty surrounding brain organoid consciousness by adhering to a precautionary principle in experimental design.

claimThe distinction between global and local theories of consciousness is a relevant framework for researchers attempting to adapt models of consciousness to the biological reality of brain organoids.

claimThe ethical debate surrounding brain organoids is complicated by epistemological uncertainty regarding the definition and nature of consciousness.

claimAssessing consciousness in brain organoids requires researchers to carefully select a theory of consciousness, as existing tools designed for humans are neither fully consensual nor biologically appropriate for organoids.

claimThe question of whether current and future brain organoids can develop consciousness is expected to remain a persistent issue in the field of brain organoid technology.

claimSkeptical arguments regarding consciousness in brain organoids posit that identifying 'human-like' consciousness requires observing global activation, which is currently impossible due to the lack of multiple realistic interconnected brain systems in existing organoid technology.

claimThe majority of stem cell researchers and neuroscientists consider the emergence of high levels of consciousness in artificial entities like brain organoids to be highly unlikely given current biotechnology.

claimIt is more difficult to engineer a system capable of global activation in a laboratory dish than to replicate the local activity of specific brain regions.

accountMaxence Gaillard attended a research retreat on the ELSA of brain organoids in Tübingen.

perspectiveThe author suggests distinguishing between "global" theories of consciousness and "local" theories of consciousness as a tool for adapting models of consciousness to the biological reality of brain organoids.

claimScientists and ethicists are considering the possibility that microphysiological systems, such as brain organoids, may possess some form of consciousness or mental activity.

perspectiveAdherence to global theories of consciousness leads to the rejection of the possibility that consciousness could emerge in brain organoids.

referenceM. Gaillard authored the article titled 'Global Versus Local Theories of Consciousness and the Consciousness Assessment Issue in Brain Organoids', which was published in the journal Neuroethics in 2024.

claimAccording to Integrated Information Theory (IIT), the measurement index Φ (phi) could provide a common measure of consciousness as a natural phenomenon across biological and artificial systems, allowing for the comparison of consciousness levels between entities such as brain organoids, flies, monkeys, infants, and locked-in patients.

claimBrain organoids are not functional equivalents of full human brains, even at a smaller scale.

claimAssembloids, which are compounds of organoids replicating distinct brain regions or other organs, are currently incapable of consciousness because they lack the critical mass of neurons and long-distance connections required for consciousness in biological settings.

claimLavazza and Massimini hypothesize that the Phi index can be adapted to assess consciousness potentially emerging in brain organoids.

claimThe scientific problem of consciousness assessment involves the challenge of developing a device or measurement tool with an unambiguous output to determine if a new entity, such as a brain organoid, is developing a form of consciousness.

claimIntegrated Information Theory (IIT) aims to be applicable to all physical systems, rather than being strictly limited to human consciousness, which makes it attractive for use in unusual contexts such as brain organoids.

claimSome researchers propose shifting the inquiry regarding consciousness in brain organoids from a "whether or not" question to a "what kind" question to rely on more graspable features for ethical assessment.

claimThe field of consciousness studies is currently marked by debate and a lack of consensus regarding the relevance of the many competing theories available for assessing consciousness in brain organoids.

claimThe consciousness assessment issue is defined as the challenge of detecting the presence or absence of a possible form of consciousness that could emerge in brain organoids, assembloids, or related technologies.

referenceThe National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report [56] states that the ethical status of brain organoids is equivalent to that of regular in vitro cell cultures until significantly more complex organoids are developed.