Magnetic field can alter moral judgments

Neuroscientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology are discovering the effects of manipulating the right temporo-parietal junction of the brain. This is located on the surface of the brain behind and above the right ear. It is believed that this portion of the brain contributes to a person's morality. Especially when making moral judgments of another person's intensions.

The experiments involved using a magnetic field to alter the TPJ. The technique for this is non-invasive and is called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMC). The magnetic field prevents the nerves in that specific area from firing in a normal manner. This effects the subjects only temporarily. Once they have been exposed to the magnetic field, they take an exam with different scenarios. They are told to judge the actions by the person in the scenario 1 (completely immoral) to 7 (morally acceptable). More people that underwent TMC judged unsuccessful attempts to harm someone as morally permissible.

It is surprising that a high-level behavior like morality can be altered by disrupting only a small part of the brain. Maybe scientists can analyze this new discovery on citizens incarcerated because of moral defectiveness.

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20100229220339data_trunc_sys.shtml