Jorge D. M. Mateus

Contact Info

JORGE D. M. MATEUS

CEPS FULL RESEARCHER

I am a researcher focused on the ethical, social, and philosophical implications of emerging technologies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), neurotechnologies, and bioethics. My work critically examines how advanced AI-integrated Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) and other neurotechnological systems are increasingly used not only to monitor and interact with brain activity but also to predict and modulate behaviour in real-time. These systems, when coupled with AI-driven algorithms, have the potential to become powerful therapeutic tools with applications in mental health, cognitive enhancement, and neurorehabilitation. However, their ability to bypass or override human agency and autonomy raises concerns about personal identity, freedom, and mental privacy. I investigate how these developments might lead to ethical and existential challenges, including problems of self-estrangement and the erosion of cognitive liberty, while also exploring broader implications for safety, security, justice, and human flourishing.

During my doctoral research, I developed a framework called “human nature developmentalism”, which offers a developmental model of counselling for human enhancement interventions. This approach emphasises a non-neutral, guidance-based process that goes beyond traditional informed consent by providing individuals with a comprehensive and personalised understanding of their condition. My goal is to enable fully informed and enhanced consent through a collaborative, reflective decision-making model.

Currently, I am working to expand this developmental approach within the field of neuroethics, specifically addressing the ethical challenges posed by BMIs and AI-driven interventions as part of human-machine integration. More specifically, I’m working on establishing procedural safeguards that ensure the safe, ethical, and autonomous use of Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) by protecting users’ decision-making processes and minimising risks.

My primary areas of specialisation (AOS) are Political Philosophy, Ethics, and the Ethics of Human Enhancement. My areas of competence (AOC) include Bioethics, Neuroethics, and the Ethics of AI.

Professional category

  • Invited assistant professor

Education

  • 2024. PhD in Philosophy at the University of Minho. Thesis title: «Well-being and Human Enhancement: Towards Human Nature Developmentalism»
  • 2015. M.A. in Political Philosophy at the University of Minho.
  • 2013. B.A. in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Beira Interior.

Other Info

Research interests

  • Neuroethics and AI Ethics
  • Neurotechnologies
  • Human-Machine Integration and Brain-Machine Interfaces
  • Ethics of Human Enhancement
  • The Internet of Bodies

Book chapters

Articles

2020. c/ P. Moreira [interview]. “Filosofia Política, segundo João Cardoso Rosas”, in. A. Malamud, M. Camerlo & R. Pinto (eds.), Ciência Política à Portuguesa. A Disciplina Contada Pelos Seus Protagonistas.

2024. “Counselling as a procedural safeguard for Brain-Machine Interfaces”, Pandemos, 2, 1-24.

2017. “A Relação Binomial Virtù-Fortuna no Pensamento Ético e Político de Maquiavel”, Argumentos, 16, 137-144.

2015. “Uma Leitura do Discurso da Servidão Voluntária“, Kairos. Journal of Philosophy & Science, 12, 95-110.

2014. “Considerações Sobre a Representação: No Limiar da Soberania e da Democracia em Rousseau e Sieyès”, Problemata: International Journal of Philosophy, 5(2), 68-77.