The Pasteur Intitute organized a colloquium on the theme “Justice and the Brain” on 19 March.  Philippe Goosens was invited to participate in the reflections on this topic. He contributed alongside Sébastien Bohler – Editor-in-Chief of the journal Cerveau et Psychologie, Marc Bourgeois – Neuropsychiatrist and doctor of psychology, Denis Forest – Director of the Insitute of Philosophical Research (l’Institut de recherches philosophiques) and professor of philosophy, and Jean-François Mangin – Research Director at the CEA.

For over twenty years, the development of neuro-imagery techniques has permitted the observation and greater understanding of the brain’s functioning at both fundamental and clinical levels. The conference/debate aimed to present and discuss the legal applications of the neurosciences, the ethical, scientific and legislative issues, the persuasive power of the tools provided by the neurosciences and their influence on legal trials.

The debates were enriched by the attendees and the numerous questions they posed. The lawyers of Altana, ever interested in the issues animating our society, are always pleased to participate in a debate with ethical and legal, as much as societal and philosophical, stakes. Mr. Goossens would like to thank the Pasteur Institute for its invitation and the quality of the event’s organization.