Ethical concerns about embodied brain organoids shaped by foundational distinctions and perceptions of consciousness.

Abstract

Human brain organoids embodied within virtual learning environments provide a novel experimental system for mechanistic studies of learning and memory. Yet these forms of synthetic biological or organoid intelligence raise moral and ethical concerns. Bioethicists argue that if biocomputers become conscious, they have ‘moral status’, which places limits on permissible research. Yet previous empirical studies of public opinion suggest that creation of conscious brain organoids may be essential to modeling features of the human brain relevant to medical advancement. We conducted a nationally representative experimental study that investigated factors that shape public attitudes toward brain organoids integrated with computer hardware and software, herein referred to as embodied brain organoids or ‘biocomputers’. We report several key findings. First, the public’s tendency to attribute consciousness to biocomputers is positively correlated with attribution of other cognitive traits and increased ethical concerns, but also the perceived benefits and overall support for research. Second, support for research is largely unaffected by applications of biocomputers to medicine or development of information technology. Third, support is highest for biocomputers that are described as having moral status-conferring abilities, such as awareness of other biocomputers. Finally, attribution of consciousness to biocomputers and support for research are lowest among people who endorse a ‘foundational distinction’ between humans and embodied organoid systems. The negative impact of these foundational distinctions on perceived benefits can be mitigated, however, by how the technology is applied toward societal benefit. Our findings provide key insights into factors that shape moral judgements about brain organoids integrated with conventional computing systems to perform cognitive-like tasks.