Neuroscience and Society
MIT OpenCourseWare offers the materials for this course examining how brain research intersects with social attitudes and institutions. Topics include brain imaging in popular media, the neuroscience of empathy, trust, and moral reasoning, the emerging fields of neuroeconomics and neuromarketing, ethical questions raised by cognitive enhancement pharmaceuticals, the use of neuroscience in courtroom testimony, and how neuroscience reframes social problems like addiction and violence. The course draws on guest lectures from working neuroscientists, weekly readings spanning neuroscience, popular media, and science studies, and structured class discussion. Materials available include the syllabus, readings list, and assignments as posted by MIT. No tuition or certificate fee applies since this is an OCW archive of course content rather than an instructor led session.