Why? @ Whole Brain Emulation Workshop 2023

In this talk summary, Anita Fowler, President of the Carbon Copies Foundation, discusses the importance of whole brain emulation technology. Whole brain emulation aims to uncover the mysteries of the brain and can lead to advancements in medicine and improved quality of life. This technology has the potential to address challenges faced by humanity, such as hunger, illness, disparities, and existential risks like the climate crisis and nuclear winter. The Whole Brain Emulation Workshop aims to tackle engineering challenges, scientific questions, and ethical dilemmas surrounding this technology. Fowler encourages participants to approach these challenges with courage and a willingness to explore potential solutions. The talk also emphasizes themes of agency and self-determination, as well as pushing the boundaries of whole brain emulation. Scaling the project will require driving societal changes and motivating others to share the vision for the future. Improved imaging technologies and better communication methods among researchers are also essential. Patient-specific models and prostheses are seen as playing a significant role in changing the conversation about technology development.