Boosting Brainpower: The Ethics of Using Cognitive Enhancers

Boosting Brainpower: The Ethics of Using Psychoactives for Cognitive Enhancement (Introductory Talk by Charl Linssen + Discussion) Room 21.09 (21st floor) Abstract: In recent time there has been a revival in the use of psychedelics to cure a variety of psychological afflictions, such as depression and PTSD. In this scenario, the patient takes the drug under supportive conditions and guidance by a psychiatric professional. Slowly but surely this approach is becoming endorsed by the scientific and medical communities. But what if we turn the scenario around, and ask whether there might also be merit in the psychatrist themselves taking a psychedelic drug? Conceivably, it could help them in empathising with their patients and coming up with creative new ideas for intervention. More generally, entheogens can benefit healthy persons in boosting their intelligence, creativity, problem-solving skills, emotional well-being, empathy and social relationships. Is it ethical to take psychoactive drugs for these reasons if there is nothing wrong with you?