Problem:
The purpose of our first discussion board assignment is to give students the opportunity to think critically about the scientific goal of behavioral control and how it applies to real-world situations.
There are many situations in which physiological interventions are utilized in an attempt to modify/control behavior. For example, psychotropic medications are used to modify brain chemistry in the hope of alleviating symptoms of psychiatric disorders (e.g., stimulants to treat impaired concentration in ADHD, benzodiazepines to treat agitation in people with dementia, and SSRIs to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety). In neurology and neuropsychiatry, technologies like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) have been used to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders like Parkinson's disease, OCD, and treatment-resistant Major Depression. Even neurosurgeries (e.g., anterior cingulotomy, limbic leucotomy, subcaudate tractotomy) have been used to treat extreme emotional reactions and aggressive behaviors. In correctional settings, interventions like castration have been used to treat the sexual impulses and behaviors of convicted sex offenders. For the current discussion, please consider the above-mentioned physiological interventions, and address the following issues:
1. Using at least two scholarly citations (one for each argument), provide ONE argument in favor of and ONE argument opposed to performing psychosurgeries or other physiological interventions for behavioral control like the ones described above on consenting patients who are suffering from neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders, or who are violent, antisocial or otherwise capable of criminal acts. Need Assignment Help?
2. Discuss which stance (for or against) is most consistent with your own beliefs about the use of psychosurgeries or other physiological interventions for behavioral control.
3. Using at least one scriptural citation, explain which stance (for or against) the use of psychosurgeries or other physiological interventions for behavioral control is most consistent with a biblical worldview of how to govern human behavior.