The Application of Rawlsian Principles of Justice on Cognition-Enhancement Drugs: A Policy Proposal

Abstract

Stimulant medication, which has been dubbed “smart drugs”, offers the potential for enhancement of cognition, which by itself is seen as a “promise” or a “threat” due to the drastic changes of the lives of all citizens in society. The current lack of adequate regulation could potentially lead to widespread violation of rights and justice, especially since direct and indirect coercion may be brought to bear on many individuals, as a result from utility calculations of employers and other corporate actors. The pressure to enhance is likely to become very high in the military and education contexts, but the most far-reaching influence would come from the sphere of business.