Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum - View Single Post - Scientists endorse cognitive-enhancing drugs

toothdust · #5 (**permalink**) 09-December-2008, 06:38 AM

Well, I really don't hold a solid viewpoint. I agree with their approach handsdown, but it most certainly raises a lot of questions in my own mind. Such as:

Who will benefit most from this? Humanity, or only some of humanity?

Who will be in control of this? The government? Scientists? Parents? Philosphers? All of the above I would hope.

What constitutes a "good" mind enhancing drug? One that gives a short term gain, such as Adderall? Or one that has profound, insightful, lasting effects on ones life such as Psilocybin? Depends on the situation. I have used both chemicals, and for different reasons. They both worked for what I used them for.

What is the potential for abusing this new system of mind enhancement? Will we all become a bunch of strung out pill poppers? Or will we be able to to mature as a society and be responsible with them?

If 5% of people end up abusing this new system, but society at large gains from advances in science, philosophy, art, a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe at large, is it worth it? All benefits come with a risk, just as modern pharmaceutical medicine comes with risks. It helps most, but hurts some. That just means we have to find new ways to help those that are being hurt.

I hope this clarifies how I feel. I don't think we should just legalize every drug for any use. That would be disastrous. Which is why I agree that this subject needs to be broadly discussed, debated, and analyzed. For like I said: Drugs of all types, and for all purposes, are here to stay. If we can find ways to utilize them to our advantage, we should, so long as we take a reasoned, careful approach.

Edit: Obviously I could come up with a much linger list of questions, those are just a few that popped into mind. As for the idea of mind enhancing computer chips, which is a reality a lot closer than we think, this same debate will come up. I think for the time being, we need to analyze which drugs are safe, which drugs are overall beneficial to the individual and society, and the best ways to employ a system as to where we can all share in the benefits these enhancements will bring to society.

Remember, this isn't just about legalizing any specific drugs, it is about mind-enhancement. It just so happens that certain chemicals can aid us on this quest to higher levels of consciousness and intelligence. I also think that we should start with a base approach of good education systems, stress-free living, healthy lifestyles, and a general society-wide encouragement of learning. We could start by making our education system a little more exiting as to actually inspire people to learn, not kill creativity and inquisitiveness.