[mannykannot]

All this speculation ignores the fact that we don't have a practical theory of how the mind works, an therefore no way to know what, specifically, would need to be done to produce a specific outcome. For example, Lieber talks about the development of 3D transistors, so they can be implanted in neurons, but he does say what they would do once there.

To be fair, pharmacology, in its application to mental issues, is at about the same level, but it is also struggling to demonstrate unambiguous successes. As research tools, these devices are great, but it is premature to suggest that we have a technology that is going to change the way we think.

[jjaredsimpson]

But that's the point of basic research, no?

Minds are things that function in a physical universe. At some point in the future there will be a description of function, followed by a plan for modification or augmentation of existing minds, as well as bottom up design of new minds.

All minds are matter performing some computation. Molecules move around and change in time. In concert with this physical process, subjective experience takes place. There will come a time when physical systems are designed with the goal of creating a particular form of subjective experience.