Title from caption (viewed on June 24, 2004).

Memory research focuses on two sets of aspirations: The first, largely scientific and humanistic, is an effort to understand how human memory functions (physiologically and mechanically) and what memory is (existentially). The second aspiration, largely technological and medical, is to alter the workings of human memory-whether to cure memory diseases and failures like Alzheimer's or amnesia, to enhance normal memory function, or to change (by adding, blocking, or erasing) the actual content of one's memory. As these powers increase-if they do in fact increase- there are increasingly complex questions about how to use them. The Council attempts in this document to address these questions in the context of the nature and functions of memory and its place in the economy of human life.

Mode of access: Internet from the PCB web site. Address as of 6/24/04: http://bioethics.gov/background/background4.html; current access available via PURL.