Abstract
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.
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Notes
In the interests of simplicity, I am assuming in my arguments that those suffering from ADHD have already developed the critical capacities that autonomy requires. However, it should be acknowledged that many young children who are treated for ADHD arguably lack these capacities. In these cases, my arguments would need to be slightly amended, since in these cases impulsivity cannot be understood as an impediment to the exercise of an existing capacity. Accordingly, in these cases, we should understand impulsivity as an impediment to the child’s future autonomy. I thank an anonymous reviewer for pressing me on this point.
I thank an anonymous reviewer for raising this point.
I thank Neil Levy for raising this point.
References
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Acknowledgments
I thank Julian Savulescu, Roger Crisp, Neil Levy and an anonymous reviewer for helpful comments on a previous draft of this paper.
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Pugh, J. Enhancing Autonomy by Reducing Impulsivity: The Case of ADHD. Neuroethics 7, 373–375 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12152-014-9202-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12152-014-9202-7