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© 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. In a recent article in this journal, Schaefer et al. argue that it might be possible to enhance autonomy through the use of cognitive enhancements. In this article, I highlight an example that Schaefer et al. do not acknowledge of a way in which we already seem to be using pharmacological agents in a manner that can be understood as enhancing an agent’s autonomy. To make this argument, I begin by following other theorists in the philosophical literature in claiming that impulsivity can serve to undermine an agent’s autonomy. I then explain that we are already able to reduce impulsivity through the use of pharmacological interventions, as is evidenced by the use of Methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s12152-014-9202-7

Type

Journal article

Journal

Neuroethics

Publication Date

01/01/2014

Volume

7

Pages

373 - 375