Key research areas

The overarching question is: how, and to what extent, are contemporary developments in the brain sciences and associated neuro-technologies reshaping ways that human beings in advanced liberal societies are understanding and acting upon themselves.

The research will ask the following key questions:

• What are the key social, political, intellectual, scientific, practical, commercial and economic drivers of developments in the new brain sciences?
   
• What styles of thought are taking shape in contemporary psychiatry and associated regulatory practices, and to what extent do they mark a radical shift from earlier psychological or psycho-social styles of thought?
   
• Are these reshaping regimes of authority, professional practice and forms of expertise?
   
• How do these elate to the perception by public heath bodies that mental health problems are a major drain on economic productivity, health and social insurance, criminal justice resources, and public finances?
   
• What is the actual impact of these developments? Three case studies will be conducted of the extent to which the new brain sciences are impacting on:
   
  • Mental health practices
  • Criminal justice system
  • The military and defence systems
     
• To what extent are individuals themselves coming to understand their own moods, emotions, desires, distress, and to frame their judgments and narratives of identity in the languages of the new brain sciences?

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