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The Use of Cognitive Enhancing Drugs

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?In the modern century, citizens are exposed to many different cognitive enhancing drugs, whether they are good or bad. Our society has divided over the debate whether enhancement drugs should be employed in our lives or whether they are just a shortcut, and like most, don’t lead to any good. Perhaps they are just a cheat, an easy path towards accomplishment, that one is advised to evade. Michael Sandel in “Bionic Athletes” proposes that these drugs, specifically steroids, take away from human natural powers and execute a misconception of the norm. An opposing view, proposed by Henry Greely in “Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy”, states that these drugs can improve our brain function, if taken properly, and shouldn’t be frowned upon. ?When one thinks of drugs, usually nothing beneficial comes to mind unless its prescribed drugs for a specific condition. However Henry Greely and his colleagues propose that cognitive enhancement drugs, known as Adderall, Ritalin, and modafinil increase our executive functions and serve a favorable outcome. They allow us to focus our attention, manipulate information and control the responses quite more efficiently than usually. A survey suggests that on some campuses in the United States 25% of students have taken these drugs. As our technology improves we are constantly developing new drugs or new ideas which people decline from usage because they fear change. Greely believes that we should welcome new methods of improving our brain function and daily lives. The question that arises is, are these drugs just an easier way to get work done and isn’t it bias to the people who chose not to take them, especially other students? Is it fair to say that whenever you have to study you must take a drug to be able to get it done? To stress an important point, in the Commentary written by Greely and his colleagues the authors are teachers who “strive to enhance th

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