Abstract

This final Reflection looks at our natural desire to enhance our mental states, and improve upon them. Humans have tried many methods of enhancing mental states including psychoactive substances which act to achieve different perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. The most relevant way to enhance faculties in the modern world is through psychoactive drugs which can effect muscle strength, sleep, sexuality, cognitive capacities, and affective states. It is still unclear, however, what is enhanced by the sorts of interventions we use now. The physiological and psychological short- and long-term effects of psychotropics on the developing human brain have not yet been systematically investigated in humans.