Unrestrained by time, space, and technology, if the expression of both the failings and ideals of humanity can be interrogated across these narratives, then the degree by which they articulate cognition and occasion neuroethical decisions can be explored. Yet, the work of cognition and neuroethics in science fictional narratives and how they are deployed remains relatively unexamined. What does the genre say that is good and bad, right and wrong, about neuro-enhancement, neuro-maipulation, and neuro-invasive procedures? What are the cultural implications? What is the work of neuroethics in science fiction? What seems to be the ideal expression involving the brain or brain-like systems in the genre, and what does entangling ethical theories reveal about such projects? What cognitive moves as narratological expressions drive science fiction?

The theme should be interpreted broadly. Potential topics may include, but are certainly not limited to: neuro-a/typicalities and representation, neuro-augmentation, neuro-enhancement, neuro-evidence, neuro-invasion, neuro-manipulation, neuro-perfection, neuro-substance use and abuse, neuro-treatments and decisions, identity, personhood, personality, memory, dilemmas, death, and (in)action, cognition as an articulation of power, language and cognition. We are particularly interested in the work of cognition and neuroethics in texts at a conceptual level (analysis or interrogation of the work of cognition and neuroethics in the genre) and applied ethics in the work of authors and series (synthesis of particular theories with particular narratives).

We welcome submissions from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, English, comparative literature, the neurosciences, the pharmaceutical and medical sciences, the social sciences, critical studies (including gender and sexuality studies, disability studies, race studies, and critical legal theory), law, education, linguistics, as well as other relevant disciplines and fields.

The Center for Cognition and Neuroethics (CCN)—a joint affiliation between the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience (IINN) and the University of Michigan-Flint Philosophy Department—will host this conference.

A special issue of the Journal of Cognition and Neuroethics (JCN) will be based on the peer-reviewed proceedings of this conference. We invite you to review volume 3, issue 3, which stems from the first conference on this theme.

Call for Proposals and submission information:
http://cognethic.org/sf.html

Proposal Deadline:
15 December 2015