Brain stimulation technologies, from implantable electrodes to remote treatments, are quickly becoming more mainstream. This means that we have to consider how the data collected from these treatments might be used against us in a court of law. For example, the heart data of Ross Compton was used against him in a criminal case. Neuroscientists are also exploring brain stimulation for a wide range of conditions, including long Covid and depression, as well as ways to enhance healthy brains. We need to think now about how to protect this data, so that it can’t be used against us in the future. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
