Introduction to Neuroethics: A Review for Neurologists

Lee, Sang Bum; Kim, Daehoon

doi:2025.43.4.197

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 43(4); 2025 > Article

Review Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(4): 197-201. doi: https://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2025.0034

신경과 의사를 위한 신경윤리

이상범¹, 김대훈²

¹서울신내의원
²송도효자병원 신경과

Introduction to Neuroethics: A Review for Neurologists

Sang Bum Lee MD¹, Daehoon Kim MD²

¹Seoul Sinnae Hospital, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Neurology, Songdo Hyoja Hospital, Incheon, Korea

Corresponding Author: Daehoon Kim ,Tel: +82-32-832-9900, Fax: +82-32-831-7293, Email: kdhtaurus@naver.com

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Received: July 31, 2025 Revised: August 20, 2025 Accepted: August 20, 2025 Published online: November 1, 2025

Abstract

The rapid advancement of neuroscience is fundamentally changing our understanding of brain function and the mind, posing new ethical questions to neurologists in clinical practice. Neuroethics, a field that addresses the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from these advancements, is broadly divided into two main areas: the ethics of neuroscience and the neuroscience of ethics. This review aims to introduce the core concepts of neuroethics and emphasize its clinical importance for Korean neurologists who may be unfamiliar with the field. It examines how traditional localizationist and modern connectionist views of brain function inform our understanding of consciousness and self, along with their limitations. Through this, we aim to provide a theoretical framework for approaching the ethical dilemmas that neurologists encounter in clinical situations, such as disorders of consciousness, dementia, and deep brain stimulation. Ultimately, this review seeks to help neurologists move beyond being technical experts to become reflective practitioners who deeply consider the personhood and dignity of their patients.

Key Words: Neuroethics | Ethics of neuroscience | Consciousness | Brain localization | Connectome