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Ethical Brain: Chapter 5

#21: Oct. - Dec. 2005 (Non-Fiction)
ginof
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Re: Ethical Brain: Chapter 5

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Quote:p 77 My guess is that normal functioning adults will choose not to use memory enhancers or the theoretically more obscure IQ or cognitive enhancers.He's got a real weak argument around this. Will the perspective usere be able to fully realize the consequences of this choice a priori? Would they be able to go back to 'normal'? Think of the sci-fi possibilities!
YvesPlace
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Re: Ethical Brain: Chapter 5

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Page 73 is definitely a page that sparks controversy. What I find true is that memory and the ability to retrieve information is a great advantage in scoring high on tests, rather norm referenced or standardized. The question of rather society should control memory aides isn’t just a matter of ethics – it’s also a matter of economics. If the Food and Drug Administration is able to control a drug and the side effects are not disastrous for a significant majority of the population, then a substance will be approved and those who can afford it will be able to purchase it. Those who are indigent will continue to suffer until the black market catches on.


What about holistic enhancers? What further implications would FDA regulations impose upon society as a whole? How would policies placed on FDA approved brain enhancers indirectly affect individuals who utilized holistic remedies? Let’s not forget that nutraceuticals include herbal supplements and mineral, and vitamins and are not subject to FDA regulations and requires no doctor approval.


More ethical concerns will be considered as well. With the numerous educational reform movements, including Obama’s Race to the Top, it would seem that the students (and parents) would be pressured to attain smart drugs. However, if the drive to compete causes a person to act out on character flaws such as dishonesty, then could we somehow justify the use of enhancers for this greater good? Or would society resort to drug testing for students before testing?

Although there are side effects with both pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, only the FDA requires that these effects are listed. The side effects of neutraceiticals are believed to be less severe. It is also believed that nurtaceuticals are less effective than prescribed medications.
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