脳神経倫理学の嚆矢としてのParfit論

Chapter 12 in the book, Reasons and Persons (1984), written by Derek Parfit, has a well-known content on thought experiments based on “split–brain” researches. In this study, we aimed to interpret chapter 12 based on the “neuroscience of ethics” point of view in neuroethics. Moreover, we also considered the ideas of Sperry and Gazzaniga, who were the leaders of “split-brain” researches and the growth of cognitive neuroscience because of their influence in solving the issue as to why Parfit was interested in neuroscience. Parfit’s thought experiments lacked reality, and his comprehension of“ split–brain” researches was unsuitable because he believed that the real brain structure and mechanism were not so important. Furthermore, his research was evidently limited to the field of authentic ethics and not as a pioneer of a new field such as neuroethics. However, he still greatly contributed in establishing neuroethics. In the book, Reasons and Persons (1984), he unconsciously reported the relationship between the real brain structure and mechanism and the ethical issues before the dawn of neuroethics. Consequently, he told the researchers interested in the real brain structure and mechanism that ethical issues were just next door to them. Therefore, he played a role in the whistle for starting neuroethics.