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Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement
Martin Dresler1, Anders Sandberg2, Christoph Bublitz3
1Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour , Radboud University Medical Centre , Nijmegen 6525 EN , The Netherlands.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
|December 15, 2018
Summary
Cognitive enhancement strategies, including biochemical, physical, and behavioral methods, are diverse. Understanding their varied actions and effects is crucial for research and ethical discussions on brain augmentation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Bioethics
Background:
- Increasing demands for cognitive functioning in modern society.
- Numerous proposed strategies to augment brain function.
- Ethical, societal, and medical implications of cognitive enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To deconstruct the multifaceted concept of cognitive enhancement.
- To provide a framework for understanding various enhancement strategies.
- To guide theoretical discussions and empirical research in cognitive enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of cognitive enhancers into biochemical, physical, and behavioral strategies.
- Analysis of enhancers based on mode of action, targeted cognitive domain, and timescale.
- Review of prominent cognitive enhancers and their differential effects.
Main Results:
- Cognitive enhancement is not monolithic but multifaceted.
- Enhancers vary significantly in action, target, timescale, availability, and side effects.
- Differential effects of enhancers across various subject groups were identified.
Conclusions:
- A nuanced understanding of cognitive enhancement dimensions is necessary.
- The proposed framework aids in distinguishing between different enhancement approaches.
- Facilitates informed discourse on the complexities of augmenting brain function.
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