Cognitive Enhancement and Destruction of the Self

This paper aims to examine ethical implications of the cognitive enhancement based on neuroscience and neuro-technology: more specifically, its influences on the “self”. In order to do this, I begin with presenting the relevant conception of the self, and then examine how the cognitive enhancement could influence on the self. The opponents of the cognitive enhancement hold that it is self-destructive to accept cognitive enhancement since it will destroy our ordinary practices based on “folk psychology”. The proponents, however, may prefer new, neuroscientific practices, which do not need the concept of the self. Yet, the opponents still have ways out, resorting to our system of values. I will end this paper by pointing out some tasks which we must solve.