Valparaiso University – Initiation of the course of interdisciplinary dialogues on neuroscience and human rights

The first session was opened with the conference “Technologies and Neuroscience: The Next Reflection,” presented by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Knowledge, Carolina Gienza.

With the great presence and participation of eminent specialists, the course of interdisciplinary dialogues “Neuroscience and Human Rights” began in Vicuña Suárez’s classroom at the Faculty of Law of Valparaiso University. This initiative, promoted by various research centers and academic units of the UV, as well as in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of the Greater Central Region, seeks to foster a space for reflection on the intersections between neuroscience and fundamental rights in the current context. Undersecretary Carolina Gienza opened the first session of the conference “Technologies and Neuroscience: The Next Reflection”.

The course is the result of a joint effort between the Faculty of Law, the Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience of Valparaíso (CINV-UV), the Research Center for Philosophy of Law and Criminal Law (CIDFE-UV) and the Center for Translational Studies in Stress and Mental Health, with support from the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation; Vice President for Research and Innovation; Project Science 2030, PhD programs in science with mention in Neuroscience, Health Sciences and Engineering at Valparaiso University. Its goal is to create a space for dialogue on the implications of neuroscience in the legal and human rights framework.

Undersecretary Carolina Gienza highlighted the need to foster critical interdisciplinary collaboration to address the complex challenges posed by advances in neurotechnologies. “The intersection between neuroscience and law is essential, because scientific developments have major implications for our definitions of what is human, for our social relationships, and for our regulatory frameworks. This kind of dialogue allows us to address these issues from a broad, interdisciplinary perspective,” he said.

Dr. Adrian Palacios, researcher at CINV-UV and one of the organizers of the course, together with doctors Luis Villavicencio and Alejandra Zúñiga, both researchers at CIDFE-UV, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “We want to generate from the University of Valparaiso a direct and practical connection about neuroscience and law.” This cycle of dialogues seeks to contribute to discussions on crucial topics, such as the possibility of attributing adolescents from the perspective of law, based on neuroscientific knowledge.

During the first session there was a discussion “Behavioral Neuroscience and Human Rights”, with the participation of Andres Benavides, JD and researcher at CIDFE-UV, who presented the topic “Criminal Prosecution and Neuroscience: Comments on a Litigation”. ; Pablo López Silva, psychologist and Doctor of Philosophy from Valparaiso University, with his exhibition “Determinism, Voluntarism and Neuroethics”; and Fanny Leighton, psychiatrist and doctor of psychotherapy at CIESAL-UV, who addressed the topic “Neuroscience and Moral Judgment”. The discussion was moderated by Professor Luis Villavicencio.

The cycle of dialogues will continue with four more sessions, where topics such as the neurobiology of moral behavior, the impact of neurotechnologies on privacy and the rights of people with neurological disabilities, among others, will be discussed. The following talks are scheduled to continue through December, and the entire community interested in understanding how brain science should guide the development of a legal framework that responds to the challenges of the 21st century is invited to participate.

Dr. Luis Villavicencio expressed his satisfaction with the call: “We are very happy that more than 120 people participated in this first session. We are interested in building bridges between different disciplines and promoting dialogue and collaboration between academics at Valparaiso University to develop joint projects and research that contribute to understanding and resolving these complex issues.

For his part, Ceremi Rodrigo Gonzalez invited students to join the series of talks organized by Valparaiso University. “These discussions are fundamental for the country, and what better way to bring them forward than with a public university, with the support of academic institutions that promote dialogue and consensus. I believe that this level of discussion is always necessary, and with the presence of the Under-Secretary, we facilitate the flow of this communication from the academy to the various levels of the country.”

The next session will be held on October 29, and registration is open to all interested in participating in this space for interdisciplinary thinking. To register, you can access the form available at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8MLuyYgUR5HWYj6dv3f4mDhyDrxZgbhXne1l7ZRgz_lFH7w/viewform.

Note: Pamela Simonetti / Photos: Matias Salazar