Cognitive enhancement kept within contexts: neuroethics and informed public policy

Area of Science:

• Neuroethics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Bioethics

Background:

• Neuroethics extends beyond tracking brain-centered biotechnologies.
• Defining "cognitive enhancement" requires careful consideration of its implications for ethics and civic life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the definition and evaluation of cognitive enhancement.
• To emphasize the importance of real-world performance and cultural context in assessing enhancements.
• To advocate for a public discourse on cognitive enhancement that includes social justice and the common good.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the role of lived context and cultural frameworks in defining cognitive improvement.
• Examination of the societal implications of performance enhancements.
• Review of the limitations of neuroscientific data in isolation for public understanding.

Main Results:

• Cognitive improvement is best determined by real-world performance, not solely by brain scans.
• Cultural frameworks significantly influence what counts as cognitive enhancement.
• Public approval of enhancers depends on alignment with civic ideals like social justice.

Conclusions:

• Neuroethics must prioritize real-world applicability and societal values over purely technical definitions of enhancement.
• A nuanced understanding of performance and public contexts is crucial for wise policy regarding cognitive enhancers.
• Recommendations are provided for identifying truly beneficial cognitive enhancers for public approval.