- Wednesday 14 November 2007
- 7.00pm-8.30pm
- Lecturers: Prof Robin Gill Prof John Harris Prof Barbara Sahakian
In the future scientists will be able to make you think quicker, remember more or focus better on a task. From drugs to genetic manipulation there are lots of ways that we could make our brains work harder, some of which are already surprisingly familiar. The commonly-prescribed ADHD drug Ritalin, for example, can be thought of as a cognition-enhancer, and anyone who begins the day with a cup of tea knows caffeine can help get thoughts flowing.
As you might guess, the ethics of enhancement are complex: what are the risks and benefits? It would seem a wonderful thing to increase the power of our brains, but the idea of enhancement faces strong opposition at times, and objectors raise difficult questions about enhancement in the real world. What are the issues surrounding small children or those with dementia, who can't give informed consent to enhancement? Should everyone have equal access to enhancement? Is that possible?
The British Medical Association is releasing a special report dealing with these issues and more this autumn, which this event will tie in with. Join us to find out the science behind cognitive enhancement, and begin the public debate on its future.
Venue: The Royal Institution
Tickets cost £8/£5 Ri Members and concessions.
In association with the British Medical Association.