Abstract

This chapter discusses the ethical dimensions of cognitive enhancement. It considers the use of psychotropic drugs to improve attention and focus and whether this gives some people an unfair advantage over others. It also considers the potential positive and negative effects of enhancing memory and points out that enhancement does not necessarily undermine authenticity or alienate us from our true selves. The general point of this chapter is that competent adults should be allowed to take cognition-enhancing drugs but should also be responsible for any resulting personal and social costs.