The is and ought of the Ethics of Neuroenhancement: Mind the Gap

Frontiers in Psychology
Cynthia Forlini, Wayne Hall

Abstract

Ethical perspectives on the use of stimulants to enhance human cognitive performance (neuroenhancement) are polarized between conservative and liberal theories offering opposing advice on whether individuals have a right to use neuroenhancers and what the social outcomes of neuroenhancement might be. Meanwhile, empirical evidence shows modest prevalence and guarded public attitudes toward the neuroenhancement use of stimulants. In this Perspective, we argue that the dissonance between the prescriptions of ethical theories (what ought to be) and empirical evidence (what is) has impaired our understanding of neuroenhancement practices. This dissonance is a result of three common errors in research on the ethics of neuroenhancement: (1) expecting that public perspectives will conform to a prescriptive ethical framework; (2) ignoring the socio-economic infrastructures that influence individuals' decisions on whether or not to use neuroenhancement; and (3) overlooking conflicts between fundamental ethical values namely, safety of neuroenhancement and autonomy. We argue that in order to understand neuroenhancement practices it is essential to recognize which values affect individual decisions to use or refuse to use neuroenhancement....Continue Reading

References

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Citations

May 28, 2017·Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD·Cynthia Forlini
Sep 12, 2017·Neuroethics·Meghana Kasturi VagwalaIlina Singh
Sep 18, 2018·Neuroethics·Imre BardHub Zwart
May 1, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Irina BrumboiuMarie-Pierre Tavolacci

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