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Knowledge, experiences and views of German university students toward neuroenhancement: an empirical-ethical analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2015-08-01, 00:00 authored by Cynthia ForliniCynthia Forlini, J Schildmann, P Roser, R Beranek, J VollmannAcross normative and empirical disciplines, considerable attention has been devoted to the prevalence and ethics of the non-medical use of prescription and illegal stimulants for neuroenhancement among students. A predominant assumption is that neuroenhancement is prevalent, in demand, and calls for appropriate policy action. In this paper, we present data on the prevalence, views and knowledge from a large sample of German students in three different universities (n = 1,026) and analyze the findings from a moral pragmatics perspective. The results of our study indicate that neuroenhancement is a well-known phenomenon among German students, but not prevalent. 2.2 % of our sample reported having used a prescription medication for neuroenhancement. Exams and competitive situations were predominant motivators of use. Students were unenthusiastic and critical about neuroenhancement in the academic context and disapproved of neuroenhancement for professionals. The majority of respondents agreed that neuroenhancing substances should be regulated by the state. These stances were based on strong beliefs in resisting peer pressure, avoiding the creation of injustice and valuing of hard work. From a moral pragmatics standpoint, these results challenge the assumption that policy on neuroenhancement is necessary in academic environments.
History
Journal
NeuroethicsVolume
8Issue
2Pagination
83 - 92Publisher
SpringerLocation
Dordrecht, The NetherlandsPublisher DOI
ISSN
1874-5490eISSN
1874-5504Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2014, Springer Science+Business Media DordrechtUsage metrics
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Keywords
NeuroenhancementEmpirical ethicsMoral pragmaticsSocial SciencesScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineEthicsMedical EthicsSocial Sciences, BiomedicalSocial Sciences - Other TopicsBiomedical Social SciencesPERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGSCOGNITIVE ENHANCEMENTSTAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVESHEALTHY-INDIVIDUALSPRESCRIPTION DRUGSMETHYLPHENIDATEABUSEEXPECTATIONSATTITUDESCOLLEGEPhilosophy
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