José Manuel Rodríguez Delgado, Walter Freeman, and Psychosurgery: A Study in Contrasts.

This article focuses on distinguishing the historical legacies of José Manuel Rodríguez Delgado and Walter Freeman, two mid-20th-century proponents of somatic therapies for neuropsychiatric conditions whose work has often been conflated. While both engaged in invasive brain interventions, Delgado developed precise electrical stimulation techniques aimed at understanding and mitigating aggression and violence, emphasizing ethical caution and institutional oversight. In contrast, Freeman pioneered the lobotomy, a more destructive and less scientifically rigorous procedure, often performed without adequate consent or collaboration, reflecting a utilitarian ethos that prioritized social utility over individual autonomy. The article highlights Delgado's liberal political orientation and commitment to personal freedom through neurobiological insight, contrasting it with Freeman's antiliberal worldview that sought to diminish self-awareness. Clarifying these distinct approaches is presented as essential for ethical reflection in contemporary neuroscience, especially as circuit-based brain therapies advance.