Neuroethics 9

Hello! Welcome to the last neuroethics discussion topic :..( I know it is a sad week.

Never-the-less, this last topic is one that actually sparks a profuse amount of controversy in neuroscience, psychology, and society in general. We are all aware of the option to take cognitive enhancing drugs to augment our own memory, concentration, and attention spans to benefit our lives. At first glance, this seems like a great idea. Why not partake in something that could enhance they ways we live and go about our lives? But what is less known is the existence of a variable amount of side effects and dependence potentials that these drugs drag with them. Some of these drugs, known as nootropics, have many mechanisms of action in the brain and body, and it is still not clear how these changes might pan out in the long term for people who take them on the reg.

Please read the article and comment with your thoughts on the issue. What might be a consequence of consuming these drugs without the medical need? How might these outweigh the benefits for taking the drugs in the first place? Are there other issues surrounding the use of these drugs, such as social and educational advantages and socioeconomic limitations?

Cognitive Enhancement: A Boost in the Right Direction?

Please respond by November 13th on the CU Neuroscience facebook page and copy into the student journals for credit!!

Also, a note on the presentation. You guys present NEXT THURSDAY, so we need to deal out figures to everyone and make sure everyone knows what they are presenting and how many slides to prepare. We need to absolutely meet by Friday to get everyone's material assigned so that we can hopefully meet up again at the beginning of the week and make sure the presentation is cohesive and tells a story. I am willing to meet earlier than Friday as well. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact me asap!