Since the mid-1960s. surgery to modify mood and behaviour has drawn considerable criticism, not merely of a medical-technical nature. Some have portrayed it as a step towards mind control of populations, others as a dangerous infringement of the civil liberties of individuals. Against these criticisms. there are the counterclaims of doctors who argue that psychosurgery may bring relief to people suffering intolerable distress.
Ian Kennedy. Reader in Law and Executive Director of the Centre of Law. Medicine and Ethics at King's College, London, talked to the advocates and adversaries of psychosurgery and presents their respective arguments.
The case for: DR wiilliam SWEET, Chief of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital: DR THOMAS BALLANTINF , Massachusetts General Hospital; DR HUGH FREEMAN , Consultant Psychiatrist; and R.A.C JONES . Neurosurgeon, Hope Hospital, Salford.
8.15* Interval Music
8.30* Surgery on the Mind Part 2
The case against: DR NOEL DILLY , Professor of Structural Biology. St George 's Hospital Medical School, London; DR PETER BREGGIN , Psychiatrist; GABE KAIMO-WITZ, Staff Attorney. Michigan Legal Services Assistance Program,
In conclusion IAN KENNEDY assesses some of the major issues with Dr Colin Blakemore. Professor of Physiology at Oxford University and 1976 BBC Reith Lecturer.
Producer DAVID PATERSON