Erasing memories may offer tangible relief for those suffering from traumatic or intrusive flashbacks. But what of the ethical implications?
Scientists have made great progress in recent years in understanding the neural processes involved in memory, and are beginning to look to developing cures for phobias and treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder. But what are the implications for our identity and humanity?
Speaking on Radio 4's Today Programme, Anders Sandberg said nobody should object to efforts to help people suffering from serious psychiatric conditions like PTSD. But in the future, "we will be able to figure out which neural networks in the brain underpin certain memories, and to undermine them. That's going to cause some ethical problems
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8587000/8587211.stm