CFP: Journal of Cognitive Enhancement

Cognitive enhancement is one of the most widely discussed topic in neuroethics. We expect two ethical aspects to dominate future discussions. First, it has been pointed out that methods of cognitive enhancement may disrespect dignity and human nature, augment inauthenticity and cheating behavior, and may encourage an uncontrolled striving for excellence and perfection. The second issue relies instead on the tension between two widely shared ethical principles underlying our society: individual freedom and equality. While effective cognitive enhancing programs can be taken to support the expression of individual freedom, it may clash with equality. Societies and upward mobility in particular rely increasingly on competition, which emphasizes individual performance and abilities. Cognitive enhancement is likely to produce “positional benefits” by improving one’s social and economic status as compared to others. While this could be considered a fair individual choice, it may have consequences for general public expectations and standards. Once a number of individuals have shown that it is possible to improve one’s cognitive abilities, public pressure on other individuals could arise to augment their abilities as well. This special issue on neuroethical issues in cognitive enhancement welcomes scientifically-informed submissions focused on empirical and methodological issues as well as opinions, mini reviews or perspectives from a wide range of domains (philosophy; neuroscience; cognitive, developmental and life-span psychology).

Submission Deadlines

2 May 2018 Abstracts need to be sent to Dr. Andrea Lavazza (Dr. Andrea Lavazza ) or to Dr. Lorenza Colzato (Dr. Lorenza Colzato)