Promises and Perils of Cognitive Performance Tools: A Dialogue

Technology, Vol. 11, p. 9, 2007

16 Pages Posted: 9 Jul 2012

See all articles by Erik Viirre

Erik Viirre

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Department of Cognitive Science

Françoise Baylis

Dalhousie University

Jocelyn Downie

Schulich School of Law & Faculty of Medicine

Date Written: 2007

Abstract

Cognitive performance tools are evolving and their application is expanding rapidly. Although these tools promise significant advantages, they also raise a number of significant ethical and social concerns. This paper first provides an overview of various cognitive performance tools. Subsequently, there is a dialogue between Viirre on the one hand and Baylis and Downie on the other. Together, they explore the promises and perils of cognitive performance tools available now, or in the near future (perhaps within the next ten to twenty years). The authors conclude there are potential benefits with the development and use of cognitive performance tools. Care must be taken, however, with respect to the ways in which such tools may not serve the interests of individuals and communities.

Keywords: cognition, neurotechnology, cognitive performance tools, ethics

Suggested Citation

Viirre, Erik and Baylis, Françoise and Downie, Jocelyn, Promises and Perils of Cognitive Performance Tools: A Dialogue (2007). Technology, Vol. 11, p. 9, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2102673

Erik Viirre (Contact Author)

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - Department of Cognitive Science ( email )

9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0515
United States

Françoise Baylis

Dalhousie University ( email )

6225 University Avenue
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H7
Canada

Jocelyn Downie

Schulich School of Law & Faculty of Medicine ( email )

Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H9
Canada

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