300554 Smarter, Faster, Better? The Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects (ELSA) of Neurotechnological Performance Enhancement for Work, Study and Leisure (S) (SoSe 2025)

Please note: Your attendance in this first session (30.4.2025) is needed. If you cannot participate in the first session, please send an E-Mail to the instructor of this course.

The integration of neurotechnology into various aspects of life promises to revolutionize how individuals enhance cognitive performance in work, study, and leisure activities. Certain prescription drugs, legal and illegal drugs as well as neurotechnologies such as brain-computer interfaces, and even genetic modifications are being discussed with regard to their potential to enhance concentration, wakefulness, and other functions (so-called “cognitive enhancement” or “neuroenhancement”).

This phenomenon has attracted media and investors interest in recent years (for instance due to brain implants by Neuralink) and is now often debated among scientists and political agents. For example, UNESCO currently discusses recommendations on the ethics of neurotechnology for enhancement and other purposes. In this debate, it is often assumed that due to increasing performance requirements, stress and the pursuit of success and perfection, an increasing number of people are considering or already engaging in neurotechnologies to improve their ability to concentrate, remember, learn and make decisions – whether at work, at university, or in their leisure time.

Proponents see these strategies as tools to promote intellectual, technological, economic, and cultural prosperity in the face of globalization and competitive and performance pressures. Opponents criticize their use and the resulting performance improvements as inauthentic and unfair, especially when access to these strategies is unequally distributed.

This seminar will explore the multifaceted ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA) associated with neurotechnological performance enhancement. Participants will engage in readings and discussions on the current enhancement possibilities, the prevalence of such behavior as well as the social and psychological drivers and hurdles of using such technologies (e.g., social norms or work stress). They will also discuss ethical implications (including concerns about inequality or stigmatization) as well as prevention of risky use at the work place. Thereby, this seminar foster a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by neurotechnological advancements, ultimately guiding responsible innovation in this rapidly evolving domain.

The goals of our interdisciplinary seminar are to:

• highlight the potential and dangers of substance-based (e.g., ritalin, modafinil, or caffeine) and non-substance-based (e.g., meditation or brain stimulation) strategies of cognitive enhancement – the focus will be on prescription substances;
• discuss the prevalence of these behaviors in different populations and;
• use empirical studies to talk about sociological, social psychological, psychological, and criminological theories to explain the use of performance-enhancing drugs (e.g., Social Learning Theory, Job-Demands-Resources Model);
• become familiar with the ethical debate concerning performance-enhancing neurotechnology use among healthy individuals in general and healthy children in particular (e.g., with reference to fairness norms and equal opportunity);
• discuss prevention strategies and policy implications regarding substance use.

As part of the seminar, we will also explore tasks for future research and discuss ways to address these tasks.

Requirements for participation, required level

Literature to be read will be in English. In addition to presentations, the seminar will include interactive elements such as discussions, a talk-show, and research-oriented group work, as well as the submission of a term paper for individual performance by arrangement.