Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
one's mind and body what one wishes to do, so long as the action is not il-
legal and does not cause injury to others, demands that the responsible use
of neuroenhancements be allowed. The main difficulties with this argu-
ment are in determining whether others might be injured by one's use of
neuroenhancements and in deciphering what is meant by
responsible
use of
neuroenhancements. not injuring others requires, at the very least, that
the motivation for neuroenhancement be self-improvement and not the
deliberate degradation or subjugation of others. But self motives can be
difficult to examine objectively, and identifying others' motives is just as
difficult. individual, informed soul-searching, perhaps facilitated by coun-
seling and education services, will be needed to help people assess their
motives for neuroenhancement. This will be especially important in situa-
tions where neuroenhancement gives persons a competitive edge in ob-
taining jobs, gaining higher education opportunities, attracting a mate,
or waging war. responsible use of neuroenhancement may mean different
decisions for different persons. At a minimum, responsible use of neuro-
enhancements will require prior self-education about their risks to self and
others.
The second argument for neuroenhancement is that a better, happier
world will result from increased numbers of contented people with bet-
ter intellects. The argument is that persons with enhanced cognitive abili-
ties will be more productive and creative, in turn benefiting the economy
and enhancing standards of living for everyone. likewise, it is presumed
that the contentment of persons taking mood-enhancing drugs will have
a trickle-down effect, improving relationships and elevating the level of
happiness within society as a whole. What are we to make of this content-
ment argument? Drug-assisted mood stability already improves the lives of
persons suffering from clinical depression, ADhD, schizophrenia, bipolar
personality disorder, and other brain-based disorders. Why not improve
everybody's mood on a regular basis? in 1932, Aldous huxley warned us
in his
Brave New World
that widespread, drug-induced contentment can
compromise society's ability to recognize unhealthful living situations and
make its members more vulnerable to exploitation.
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