4-1 Discussion: Sensory Systems
Technology has played a big role in assisting those who have never had the ability or lost the
ability to do particular activities such as listening to music or walking on their own. A person's limb or
arm, hearing aids, or cochlear implants are often the first things that come to mind when you think of
prosthetics. More than 300 individuals' vision who have a retinitis pigmentosa have been helped with
the generic condition, retinal prosthesis system. Written in an article by Tracy Staedtler, "5 Innovations
from the Science of Senses," the Argus is a bionic eye which was developed in the early 2000's. A retinal
prosthesis system, the Argus II, has helped over 300 individuals with the genetic condition known as
retinitis pigmentosa with their vision. Images are projected directly to the individual's retina by attaching
an electronic device to the retina and wirelessly connecting to smart glasses. Because there is such a
variety of issues in sensory function that individuals may face, the further development of technologies
that change the field of biopsychology are endless.
Current ethical difficulties in the discussion of neuroenhancements and neuroprosthetics
according to the article by Dr. Rosahl in the AMA Journal of Ethics include:
