Given recent advances in neuroimaging, there is a groundswell of interest in how emerging systems can be used to interface with computers. The field is admittedly still nascent, yet the markers of progress come from a variety of viewpoints. This book combines perspectives from researchers, practitioners, philosophers, artists, and a patient who could not have written her chapter without the use of one of these tools. Each of these perspectives yields insight into the trajectory of the field and its potential applications for therapy as well as art and entertainment.

Contrary to what the public might believe, the state of the art for brain-computer interfaces (BCI) is a far cry from its science fiction counterparts. With this in mind, the authors conservatively explain the field with regard to the capabilities of these systems and their potential for therapy. Currently, the most pervasive clinical application of these systems is for disorders of consciousness (DOC). Of particular interest to this field is a DOC known as “locked-in syndrome,” wherein, prior to the development of these tools, patients could not externalize communication in any way. This can be the result of trauma or neurodegenerative disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or other pathologies that cause total loss of motor capabilities. At times, it is not clear whether or not a patient has any remaining cognitive function. Neuroimaging and neural interface tools may provide a way of assessing neurological condition, but with a high rate of false negatives. Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces are gross measures of cortical, and therefore cognitive, functioning. For those who retain cognitive function, these tools may help externalize communication by thoughts alone.

There are a number of potential applications for brain-computer interfaces for patents who are missing a limb in an emerging field known as “neural prosthetics.” Through the use of carefully placed cortical electrodes, patients may be able to manipulate robotic versions of missing limbs. The authors again emphasize that there is a considerable amount of training necessary on the part of the patient to achieve modest capabilities.

There are even those who have explored unconventional uses of these tools, and there is a growing movement that uses brain-computer interfaces for the creation of art. Philosophical and ethical issues are addressed, and there is a concern throughout the book for the future of BCI and the potential unethical or destructive potential for its misuse. There are also concerns for respecting the privacy of the subject as well as their autonomy. Perhaps the most interesting questions posed here surround the necessity of these tools for non-disabled people and the potential for abuse.

While electroencephalography (EEG) is more prevalent in the field of BCI for ease of use and lower cost, deeper exploration of the strengths of other methods of neuroimaging would have been useful. This could include tools for monitoring hemodynamic markers from functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, functional imaging is likely the more important tool for BCI, but a more thorough explanation of structural neuroimaging and applications for brain computer interfaces would have broadened the discussion.

If the authors’ intent was to move the field of BCI away from science fiction, it was not wholly successful in that regard. While several of the papers represented here did look at real methods and extant systems, the more exploratory readings may have benefited from deeper critical analysis. In an effort to widen perspectives on BCI by including the unique perspectives of artists and philosophers, the overall empirical strength of the book may have been diminished. Ultimately, these technologies demonstrate their utility above and beyond established interventions and modes of communication. Further exploration of neural prosthetics including advances made in cochlear implants could have used more detail. Even more interesting is the discussion surrounding the ability to sensitize these devices beyond the normal human range of perception (for example, perceiving audio information in higher or lower frequencies than is the typical human range, or the perception of non-visible areas of the electromagnetic spectrum). There have been some interesting efforts with brain-computer interfaces and their potential for assisting with learning disabilities including ADHD [1]. It would have been useful to have more extensively explored efforts for assisting less severe disabilities including learning disabilities.

Ultimately, this is a well-organized book that explores a topic currently filled with misunderstanding and exaggeration. The selection and ordering of the papers provide a core understanding of the field, then current and possible applications of the systems, and finally exploration of broader philosophical and social ramifications of technologies along current trajectories of development. While this book is generally accessible to a broader audience, it would be good for the reader to have some background in neuroimaging technology. Specifically, one should have an understanding of EEG, its uses, and its methods of analysis. While there are issues with some of the speculation represented in this book, overall, it does present a useful analysis of the variety of perspectives on emerging brain-computer interfaces.