engleski

On moral enhancement in the overmedicated society

Many philosophers agree that making morally correct decisions is critical for the well-being and even survival of humankind. The relationship between cognitive, motivational, emotional and moral aspects is extremely complex. Values, attitudes, knowledge and feelings that are involved in creating moral decisions are closely interconnected. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish how much, in our moral reasoning we rely on rational discourse, and how much we depend on our emotional and impulsive reactions or instincts. Irrespective of which moral theory one advocates, it is undeniable that there is no moral reasoning without a biological substrate, the brain. However, it is unknown to what extent the brain functioning is predetermined by genetics and neurodevelopment, or shaped by education and social factors, as well as with other environmental influences, such as nutrition, medication, physical injury or trauma. Our brain has been molded by every experience during our life-time, as well as with our own inner self. The progress in neuroscience, neuroimaging and neuropharmacology are allowing us not only to better understand, but also to influence our brain. By treating some health problems, medications often interfere with our everyday behavior, and might also affect our decision making and moral judgment. On the other hand, increased understanding of neurobiology opens up space for possible targeted moral enhancement. The intriguing question is what are the attributes that a “morally enhanced man” should possess? This lecture aims to present the most common and widespread medications used today and to discuss their potential effect on moral reasoning.

Moral enhancement ; moral philosophy ; neuroscience ; neuropharmacology

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