Email Updates RSS
Search
"The Ethics of Neuroenhancement: Smart Drugs, Competition and Society" offered for open access for the month of April

Can Smart Drugs Enhance Brain Power?

By IGI Global on Mar 30, 2015
Can Smart Drugs Enhance Brain Power?“Ultimately, our drug use is a reflection of our society, and should never be considered without the broader context of why healthy people choose to use the drugs in the first place.” (Sahakian & Morein-Zamir, 2007)1

Recent studies show that "smart drugs" are becoming increasingly popular among today's academics and researchers, raising the important question as to whether cognitive enhancement is morally objectionable.

Smart drugs, also referred to as nootropics, memory enhancers, neuro enhancers, and cognitive enhancers, are drugs, supplements, and foods that improve some aspects of mental function, such as working memory, motivation, and attention.2 According to the recent article on CNN Money, entrepreneur Dan Asprey says he spent 15 years and over $300,000 to "hack his own biology" with smart drugs. Along with supplements, he also uses various techniques to exercise his brain, claiming to have increased his IQ by 20 points. His health podcast has been downloaded more than 6 million times.3

The ethical use of smart drugs is under current speculation by the US government. Amy Gutmann, chairwoman of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, released the second part of a report on March 26th on ethics in neuroscience research, commissioned by President Barack Obama as part of the BRAIN Initiative, a collaborative effort to develop tools to study the human brain. The new report focused on three main areas: cognitive enhancement, informed consent in mentally impaired individuals and the use of neuroscience in the legal system. The report concluded with a general statement calling for more research on the subject. 4

The IGI Global article "The Ethics of Neuroenhancement: Smart Drugs, Competition and Society," by Dr. Nils-Frederic Wagner (University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada & Carleton University), Dr. Jeffrey Robinson (Royal Ottawa Health Care Group) and Dr. Christine Wiebking (Department of Sociology of Physical Activity and Health, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany) explores more of the ethical dilemma surrounding these suspect meds. The article is an attempt to articulate this moral unease and poses an argument for why the authors believe cognitive enhancement to be morally objectionable. Download "The Ethics of Neuroenhancement: Smart Drugs, Competition and Society" here.

An article in the International Journal of Technoethics (IJT), this resource advances scholarship on the impact of ethics in technological advances and applications, both in established areas (e.g. computer ethics, engineering ethics, and biotech ethics) and new areas of research (e.g. nanoethics, artificial morality, and neuroethics). As a semi-annual journal that publishes empirical research, theoretical studies, innovative methodologies, practical applications, case studies, and book reviews, IJT provides moral and ethical aspects of technology in society. Indexed by SCOPUS, Inspec, and ACM, this journal is a valuable addition to any library or collection. Recommend to your librarian or download a sample issue of IJT on the journal web page.

1 Sahakian & Morein-Zamir, (2007). Nature, 1157-1159. doi:10.1038/4501157a.
2http://motherboard.vice.com/read/brain-enhancing-smart-drugs-are-going-commercial
3http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/25/technology/nootropics-smart-drugs/
4http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/27/smart-pills-ethics_n_6955744.html


IGI Global is now offering FREE lifetime e-access with all print journal subscriptions. Purchases must be made directly through the IGI Global Online Bookstore or through a distributor. Purchase any print or electronic publication directly through the IGI Global Online Bookstore and receive a 20% discount* applied directly to your shopping cart. Offer also includes individual book chapters, journal articles, and teaching cases purchased through InfoSci®-OnDemand, IGI Global’s premier bibliographic database which allows you to search, select, and download the content you need, when you need it. 20% discount offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Discount offer valid on purchases made directly through IGI Global’s Online Bookstore (www.igi-global.com) and may not be used by distributors or book sellers. Contact cust@igi-global.com for additional information.

Some of IGI Global’s other publications discussing human enhancement and ethics include the following:



Newsroom Contact:
Ann Lupold, Promotions Coordinator
alupold@igi-global.com
(717) 533-8845, ext. 132
www.igi-global.com
Browse for more posts in:
HealthcareMedical, Healthcare, and Life SciencesCognitive InformaticsCognitive LearningNeural NetworksBook SeriesBooks & E-BooksChaptersInfoSci-BooksEuropeFree ContentNorth AmericaAuthor NewsResources for DistributorsResources for InstructorsResources for LibrariansResources for ResearchersResources for Translators

No comments Comments

Log in or sign up to comment.
Be the first to comment!

More from IGI Global

Aug 22, 2024 Can We Trust our Own Eyes?
Realistic AI Images of Political Figures Breeds New Propaganda Concerns
IGI GlobalRead More
Computer Science and Information TechnologyGovernment and LawSocial Sciences and HumanitiesMedia and CommunicationsArtificial IntelligenceBooks & E-BooksResearch Trends
0
Aug 21, 2024 Q&A with Editor Eduard Babulak
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics is projected to revolutionize the world of academia. With strides in AI, humanoid robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and smart medicine, the concept of an ultra-intelligent digital realm is becoming increasingly real.
IGI GlobalRead More
Computer Science and Information TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceWeb Technologies & EngineeringCyber BehaviorComputational IntelligenceBooks & E-Books
Aug 20, 2024 Deploying Generative AI in Teaching and Learning
In today’s technological era, leveraging digital tools and resources is essential for all aspects of learning. As generative AI evolves, it is essential to understand its methods and the advantages it offers for educational and learning strategies
IGI GlobalRead More
EducationComputer Science and Information TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceBooks & E-Books
Aug 20, 2024 The Importance of Scope
There are many ways to work with IGI Global including submitting a book proposal, journal proposal, or special issue proposal, or becoming a reviewer.
NewsletterAuthor News
Aug 16, 2024 Mukundan's Success in the Business World
Check out this article highlighting the recent success of chapter author, Mukundan Appadurai Paramashivan, and his accomplishments in data-driven ingenuities.
IGI GlobalRead More
Awards & RecognitionAuthor News
0
Aug 15, 2024 Leadership Strategies for Effective Diversity Management
In today’s globalized business world, effective leadership in managing diversity is crucial for organizational success. This guest blog aims to introduce the main themes covered by this book and its contributions to the world of diversity in the workforce.
IGI GlobalRead More
Business and ManagementBooks & E-Books
Aug 15, 2024 Predatory Outlets Falsely Impersonating IGI Global
Learn how to identify fraudulent IGI Global Impersonations to protect yourself.
IGI GlobalRead More
Aug 15, 2024 How Will This Impact Humanity's Future?
AI is Teaching Robots to Act Like Us...
IGI GlobalRead More
Computer Science and Information TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceHuman Aspects of TechnologyVirtual CommunitiesBooks & E-BooksResearch Trends
0
Aug 14, 2024 Introducing Revitalizing the Learning Ecosystem for Modern Students
The outlook for education is undergoing a paradigm shift. Technological advancements, globalization, and evolving societal expectations have created a complex environment that demands innovative approaches to learning...
EducationWeb-Based Teaching & LearningBooks & E-Books
0
Aug 9, 2024 A Deep Dive into Cybersecurity Research By Akashdeep Bhardwaj
The threats of cyber-attacks are more dangerous than ever. Ranging from data breaches to ransomware, the risk of personal, corporate, and governmental data breaches has never been higher. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals, making robust cybersecurity measures essential. Protecting against these threats not only defends against immediate financial and operational damage but also preserves trust and safety in an interconnected world.
IGI GlobalRead More
Computer Science and Information TechnologySecurity and ForensicsCyber BehaviorSystems & Software EngineeringBooks & E-Books
First Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  ... Next Last