Abstract

The use of pharmaceuticals for the purposes of cognitive enhancement has attracted considerable bioethical and policy-making attention. While the definition of cognitive enhancement remains unclear and empirical evidence of cognitive enhancement practices is sparse, assumptions concerning both the science and technology of cognitive enhancement and its potential social implications are beginning to shape policy initiatives. The author argues that in order to establish a pro-active science and technology policy with respect to cognitive enhancement, we need to approach the controversy surrounding this issue from the perspective of empirical realism. From this perspective, it will be possible to re-investigate current assumptions made concerning cognitive enhancement and offer an alternative interpretive framework by which to develop policy if required.