Work

Enslaving Minds: On Freedom of Thought and the Exploitation of Mental Vulnerabilities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: One central principle often derived from the right to freedom of thought (RFoT) is that persons' inner thoughts shall not be impermissibly altered. Since a clear definition of 'impermissible alteration' of thought is lacking, the meaning and scope of this principle are largely uncertain. Scholars are now exploring how to operationalise the notion of 'impermissible alteration' of thought. For this, some have appealed to the concept of 'manipulation', proposing that mind interventions plausibly infringe the RFoT if they are manipulative. This paper argues that the appeal to manipulation is unpersuasive. It explores the potential of the distinct notion of exploitation, which is, unlike manipulation, an international legal concept that underpins absolute prohibitions in human rights law.

Source: Neuroethics

DOI: 10.1007/s12152-025-09620-6

Author: Sjors Ligthart

Institutions: Utrecht University, Tilburg University

Language: English

Topic: Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090