We are on the cusp of a broad revolution, one with startling implications for perception, cognition, emotion, and indeed, personal identity. Still in its relative infancy, this rapidly progressing field is poised to move from perceptual aids such as cochlear implants to devices that will enhance and speed up thought to the ultimate goal of researchers, that of downloading the mind from its bound state in the body to a platform-independent existence.This controversial book describes the science that will make these transformations possible. It begins by describing how the brain works, including an overview of the architecture of the brain. It then examines the current state-of-art neural technologies, including devices that read from the brain, and devices that can write information into the brain.
The book also describes how insights from the nascent field of consciousness studies show how the full transfer of the "soul" could be realized. Finally, it considers what it would be like to be a mind unbound, and the possibilities beyond those found in ordinary corporeal life.This title contains a comprehensive description of current neural technologies, and describes how they work with reference to material in earlier developmental chapters. It shows which scenarios are most likely for transfer of the mind to a machine.It describes short-term prospects for neural enhancement, with a specific description of how such devices will work. It avoids vague pronouncements and concentrates on specific technological possibilities. It also discusses the ethical, cultural, and existential implications of the unbound mind. It focuses on a given line of technological development: from the simple enhancements of today to the brain-machine interfaces of the near future to the final departure of the mind from its corporeal home.
Part 1. Foundational Material
Part 2. Neural Engineering : The State of the Art
Part 3. The Future of Neuroengineering