Neural Decoding: A Conversation with Stephen Rainey

In this ninth episode of our series on brain-computer interfaces, we are joined by Stephen Rainey. Dr. Rainey is Assistant Professor in Philosophy and Technology at Delft University of Technology, specializing in neuroethics and neurophilosophy. He is the author of the 2023 book Philosophical Perspectives on Brain Data, which raises and addresses questions about how neurotechnologies can and ought to be used. His current research focuses on exploring the intersections between neurotechnologies and artificial intelligence, especially Large Language Models and the prospect of mind-reading technology. Dr. Rainey applies his research findings in the form of policy advice, working with committees of the European Commission and the WHO. In this episode, we discuss several aspects of Dr. Rainey’s work, including what brain data is and how it differs from other types of personal data, the distinction between mind reading and neural decoding, neuromarketing and neurocapitalism, science fiction prototyping, the possibility and risks associated with the use of neurotechnology in the criminal justice system, and the debate surrounding neurorights.