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Distributive justice and cognitive enhancement in lower, normal intelligence
Mikael Dunlop1, Julian Savulescu
1University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Monash Bioethics Review
|March 7, 2015
Summary
Cognitive enhancers can help reduce inequality by boosting intelligence in individuals with lower, normal cognitive abilities. This approach offers egalitarian benefits, promoting fairer life opportunities and well-being for those with below-average intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy
Background:
- Intelligence varies significantly across society, impacting life opportunities and well-being.
- An IQ of 75 is a critical threshold for modern life outcomes.
- Pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers show potential for enhancing cognition in healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical and societal implications of using pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers.
- To argue for the egalitarian justification of cognitive enhancement in individuals with low but normal intelligence.
- To examine how cognitive enhancement can address inequality in intelligence and its associated outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cognitive enhancers (e.g., modafinil, methylphenidate).
- Analysis of the 'inverted U effect' in cognitive enhancement.
- Philosophical argumentation based on egalitarian, prioritarian, and utilitarian frameworks.
Main Results:
- Cognitive enhancers can improve cognitive function, particularly in individuals with lower intelligence.
- The 'inverted U effect' suggests greater enhancement potential for those further below the mean intelligence.
- Egalitarianism supports cognitive enhancement for reducing opportunity inequality in the lower, normal intelligence subgroup.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive enhancement offers a means to mitigate natural variations in intelligence and promote greater equality.
- Ethical frameworks like egalitarianism provide a strong basis for advocating cognitive enhancement for specific subgroups.
- The use of cognitive enhancers in individuals with lower, normal intelligence is justifiable and can minimize common objections.
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