RESORT TO BIOMEDICAL TECHNIQUES WITH THE AIM OF “NEURO-IMPROVEMENT” BY NON-DISEASED PERSON: ETHICAL ISSUES

Abstract

With the advances of the neurosciences, the market of neuro-improvement is rapidly expanding. New molecules are
today available, which make possible the increase of the
cognitive performances. Independently of the possible risks
on public health, the neuro-improvement seems to come
from a free decision. The Transhumanists lean on the right
for the autonomy to call upon the advent of the “improved” man, or the post-human being. However, this evolution, benefiting from the ambiguity which exists between
the notions of health and performance, brings to wonder
from an ethical point of view. Indeed this medicalization
of the society is carrier of risks for the human person. The
French Comité Consultatif National d’Ethique published
an advisory opinion in December, 2013 on this question.