Neuroscience from the perspective of science and technology studies (STS)
In my research, I integrate Science and Technology Studies (STS) with sociological micro-theories to analyze neuroscientific innovations. I am particularly interested in the interaction between brain and computer, and more broadly between technological innovation and social change. In particular, I focus on how brain-computer interfaces (BCI) may affect the communication possibilities and quality of life of those concerned.
Drawing on cyborg theories in the context of critical disability studies, I focus on how these technologies are not only assistive devices but also integral parts of human identity.
By analyzing empirical material from long-term ethnographic research and participant observation as well as interviews with neuroscientists, interdisciplinary teams involved in leading global projects developing neurotechnologies, and patients, I highlight both the challenges and opportunities arising from the use of invasive and non-invasive neurotechnologies. My research contributes to a deeper understanding of how technology and the individual/society interact to shape the lives of people with disabilities.
Recent publications
*Şahinol, M. (2021). Living in the Age of Neuro-Digitalization. Brain-Computer Interfaces for Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Philosophy, Theology and the Sciences, 8 (Being Human in a Technological Age), 53-80. https://doi.org/10.1628/ptsc-2021-0005
Recent presentations
14.5.2024: “Socio-Bio-Technical Entanglements in ALS Communication: A Posthuman Perspective.” Society and Technologies on Health and Illness, hosted by the Rare Disease Social Research Center at the Instytut Filozofii i Socjologii Polskiej Akademii Nauk (IFiS PAN).
3.10.2023: “Socio-Bio-Technical Constellations in Cyborg Action”, Beyond Boundaries: Persons, (Bio)Technologies, & the Law, 2nd – 3rd October 2023, Wales (UK).
8.9.2023: “Communicating with ALS Patients – a Posthuman Disability Perspective”, Towards a New Humanity, and Beyond – Debating Post-human Perspectives, Sept 7-9 2023, Fribourg University (Switzerland).
8.12.2022: “Living in the Age of Neuro-Digitalization. Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Brain Research”, 4S/ESOCITE joint meeting in Cholula, Mexico (Dec 7-10 2022).
16.11.2022: “Das Maschinenhafte im Leib”, Vortragsreihe “Medizin und Technik”, FernUni Hagen (Germany).
2.9.2022: Panel discussant “Uses of neurotechnologies and visions of human enhancement” (invited as expert), “The Future of the Technological Human Body in Light of Its Present & Past“, FUTUREBODY-Project, TU Berlin (Germany).
17.6.2021: “The techno-cerebral subject as acting cyborg,” Human-Tech Colloquium, University of Twente (Niederlande, online).
26.10.2019: “The human as a part of an endless input-process-output (IPO) action loop on the example of Brain-Machine Interface research in chronic stroke rehabilitation, 5th Turkish-German Frontiers of Social Science Symposium 2019: Where do we go? Turkey and Germany and the Digital Revolution, Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation, Mercator Foundation and Koç University, October 24-27, 2019, Leipzig (Germany).
Related projects
Neuroenhancement: Practices and Techniques
Neuroenhancement refers to the use of various methods to improve cognitive performance and enhance learning and working strategies. This can include the use of drugs, brain stimulation techniques, or other technologies. The goal of neuroenhancement is to improve the efficiency and productivity of individuals, allowing them to manage increased workloads and meet demanding deadlines. The project aims to analyze the use of neuroenhancement practices to manage increased workload and pressure in Turkey. The project is designed to make information about these practices and technologies accessible to individuals who are struggling with high workloads and deadline pressures. The project will combine theoretical insights with empirical fieldwork to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.
An online survey is currently being prepared.
The Techno-Cerebral Subject. About the Symbiosis of Human and Machine in Neurosciences
(Dissertation)
Derived from an analysis of neuroscientific practices and techniques of human/brain and machine/computer adaptation, I draw the emergence of “techno-cerebral subjects.” Through interviews with distinguished neuroscientists and depictions of neuroscientific clinical application projects that use Brain Machine Interfaces (BMI) to heal stroke and ALS patients, the study shows how the mutual adaptation of patient and machine leads to the bio-technical gestalt of the cyborg. As a result, patients are constituted as subjects that correspond to a cerebro-centrist notion.
There is already a published monograph and several articles on this dissertation project, which are listed under publications.