Neurological Enhancements: A Deontological Standpoint

Neurological Enhancements: A Deontological Standpoint

As of recently, the use of neurological enhancements has become more and more predominant in today's advancing society. People use these drugs to literally enhance their state of mental well-being, sometimes for benefit, sometimes for harm. Sometimes the use of neurological drugs is needed, as is the case with people who suffer from mental disorders. But is it truly right to use these drugs at all?

"Neuroenhancement" is a term used to describe the use of drugs by persons who don't actually require assistance in specific fields, such as memory, mood, and attention. Neuroscientists fear that due to the effects of these drugs have the potential to generate a huge market (Hall). These worries and superstitions can be backed by historical evidence. Humanity has been using psychoactive drugs since the dawn of civilization. Many drugs that we consider today to be "bad" were at one time considered incredibly medicinal. In 1880's, cocaine was used in a variety of drinks and elixirs. Famous psychologist Sigmund Freud published an article about the "benefits" of cocaine, calling it "magical".

Even at this point in time, these neuroenhancers are already being abused. Commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are two of the most commonly prescribed, and abused, over-the-counter drugs in the United States. Adderall, a psychoactive stimulant, had 14 million monthly prescriptions for the condition ADHD were written for Americans ages 20 to 39 in 2011, two and a half times the 5.6 million just four years before, according to the data company I.M.S. Health. (Schwartz). Ritalin, on the other hand, acts similarly to cocaine in that it blocks the dopamine transporter, which leaves more dopamine in the synapse, leaving the user with a sense of focusedness and productivity. But both of these drugs are relatively cheap, and easily obtainable. Though safe in regular doses, when either of these drugs are taken in excess, the effects produced alarmingly resemble that of the drug "speed", a common name for the renowned drug methamphetamine.

Provided this information, neuroenhancement usage is still growing. The neuroenhancement market is ever expanding as the competition of academic excellence increases. But no matter the reason for taking these drugs, the usage of them outside of essential means is still wrong. When a student relies on these drugs for a better score, the effect is long lasting. Not only will the student have achieved