Cognitive Liberty: Preventing Terrorism and Crime

What if the October 7^{th, 2023} terror attacks could have been prevented by utilizing invasive cognitive and mental manipulation?

What if the State of Israel could prevent terrorism by hacking into the minds of potential terrorists? What if Israel and its intelligence agencies could literally read the minds of possible terror suspects? What if Israel could prevent terror attacks before they happen by monitoring the thoughts of suspects?

Professor Nita Farahany of Duke University raises these provocative questions in her groundbreaking research.

Nita Farahany, a distinguished professor of law and philosophy, has become a leading voice in the discourse on cognitive liberty. Her work delves into the ethical and legal implications of emerging technologies that interface with the human mind. Farahany argues fervently for the protection of cognitive liberty, the right to control one’s own mental processes and activities without interference.

In an era marked by unprecedented advancements in neurotechnology and artificial intelligence, Farahany’s advocacy has critical significance. She emphasizes the need for robust legal frameworks that safeguard individual autonomy and privacy in the face of invasive brain interventions and mind-altering technologies.

Farahany’s scholarship underscores the profound societal implications of cognitive enhancement techniques, brain-computer interfaces, and neural surveillance. She challenges policymakers and lawmakers to confront the complex ethical dilemmas posed by these innovations, advocating for principles that prioritize human agency and dignity.

Moreover, Nita Farahany’s contributions extend beyond academia; she actively engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to foster informed discussions about the ethical boundaries of cognitive manipulation. By championing cognitive liberty, Farahany inspires a vision of a future where technological progress harmonizes with fundamental human rights and values.

However, one must consider the following legal question: Do potentially dangerous terror suspects have a fundamental right to cognitive liberty?

Crime and terrorism, in their myriad forms, represent violations of societal norms and legal statutes. As we saw with the October 7^th attacks on Israel, criminal behavior and terrorism undermine the fabric of civil society, threatening individual safety and collective well-being.

Cognitive liberty, as it relates to terror suspects, can extend the concept of freedom of thought to encompass the sovereignty of the suspect’s own mind. For example, the Israeli Shin Bet agency might utilize cognitive interrogation techniques when interacting with terror suspects. Would this be a violation of cognitive liberty rights?

Advocates of cognitive liberty argue that individuals—including terror suspects— should have the autonomy to make decisions about their cognitive states, provided they do not infringe upon the rights of others.

In the age of terrorism and war, we must balance between human rights, freedom of thought, and public safety. We must establish a free society that also protects us from terror, crime, and violence.

I encourage Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Haifa, Bar Ilan University, Ben Gurion University, and Reichman University to invite Professor Nita Farahany to speak at a forum titled “Cognitive Liberty in the Age of Terrorism”.