[Options, limits and ethics of pharmacological neuroenhancement].
Pharmacological neuroenhancement is an attempt to increase cognitive performance in healthy humans. Learning and memory, attention and vigilance or mood and social interaction are targeted by a modulation of brain plasticity. Firstly, an analysis of the current state of research shows that, until now, clinical trials of neuroenhancing drugs have demonstrated only limited efficacy and long-term side effects remain largely unexplored. Secondly, we argue that, from an ethical perspective, neuroenhancement differs from socially mediated methods of learning. Pharmacological neuroenhancement is based on notions of efficacy and control that threaten to undermine other important aspects of mental capacities.
Abteilung Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum, Hauptstrasse 5, 79104 Freiburg. claus.normann@uniklinik-freiburg.de
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C
Normann
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Boldt
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Maio
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M
Berger
D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects*; D024803:Biomedical Enhancement / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants