Cognitive Enhancers
WholisticResearch (nootropics) are pharmaceutical drugs that improve cognition, typically through a combination of effects on different brain systems and neurotransmitters. They are used to treat individuals with cognitive impairment caused by neurological diseases and psychological disorders such as Alzheimer disease, schizophrenia, aging, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or stroke. They are also used by healthy individuals to improve their performance in various cognitive tasks such as study and work. Such use is controversial, mainly because cognitive enhancement may be considered unethical on ethical grounds.
One argument against the morality of cognitive enhancement is that it can diminish intrinsic motivation to achieve goals by increasing the value of rewards derived from attainment. This is an important point that warrants further exploration by experimental studies that test whether actions performed for their own sake or for the pleasure of self-satisfaction (i.e., intrinsically motivated actions) yield more satisfaction and well-being than extrinsically motivated actions.
Maximizing Mental Performance: A Roadmap to the Top Cognitive Enhancers
A second important point is that the social and psychological implications of the specific methods of cognitive enhancement used should be investigated. Simply claiming equivalence between different types of enhancement technology can lead to biased analyses and uninformed policy decisions.
In addition, it is crucial to understand the impact of cognitive enhancement on user (non-)use and motivation. The most promising research avenues lie in the development of new drugs that enhance cognition through the phasic activation of neurotransmitter systems instead of existing modulators, which increase levels in a tonic manner.