Biological Debate: Ethics Of Neurotransmitters

Question 1

Treating Criminal Behaviour

Answer 1

FOR:
Criminal behaviour comes from unbalanced neurotransmitters, so drugs can be used to treat aggression

Cherek - Half patients placebo half drug, aggression levels fell

*Safer society, less spending on prisons

AGAINST:
Is it ethical to remove free will by giving mandatory drugs to prisoners? Coercion to take drugs if less prison time?

*Medication for less prison time = Free space for those who more serious, so safer

Question 2

Enhancing Neurological Function

Answer 2

FOR:
Kadosh - TDCs improve prob solving, memory

Students use caffeine to perform better

*Better educated students multiplier effect

AGAINST:
Kadosh - However, apparatus not available to everyone, unfair advantage. Unknown if harmful to developing brains

*Unethical to give unfair advantages

Question 3

Is Neurotechnology Ethical?

Answer 3

FOR:
Study - 60% reduction in Parkinson’s tremors, so may treat motor disorders, along with cognitive

*People able to work for longer, positive multiplier effect

AGAINST:
Study - Can alter cognitive functions in wrong way, damage problem solving, takes away autonomy

Threats personal identity/ personality

*Possible make more criminals if personality changed, creates vulnerable individuals?