A neuroethical framework integrates neuroscience and philosophy to examine how different levels of consciousness—from interoception to self-awareness—shape free will and autonomy, especially in psychiatric and neurological disorders. The analysis proposes a multidimensional, bottom-up approach linking neurobiological processes to distinct types of freedom, such as 'intero-freedom' tied to internal bodily states and 'self-freedom' linked to higher self-awareness. This stratification shows how neurological conditions can impair patients' freedom of choice, raising ethical concerns. The framework aims to guide more tailored treatments that restore autonomy and respect dignity, advocating for healthcare policies that enhance personal freedom for those with mental health challenges.
A systematic mapping of the ethical and philosophical literature on human brain organoids reveals how consciousness is discussed in that context. The analysis reconstructs the ways scholars invoke concepts of consciousness when debating the moral status, potential sentience, and research oversight of brain organoids. The mapping identifies key themes, including whether organoids could possess conscious experience, what neural correlates would indicate consciousness, and how uncertainty about organoid consciousness should guide ethical decision-making. The authors suggest the literature often conflates different notions of consciousness and call for more precise definitions to inform responsible research governance.