“One of the main ethical concerns we highlight in our guidelines is the undermining of human autonomy,” says Erden. Take, for example, the drug amphetamine. It is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a medical context, amphetamine is a treatment that helps people with ADHD control some symptoms. As a side effect, it can enhance mood swings or anxiety, which can impact decision making and user autonomy.
The benefits may outweigh these risks in a medical context. However, amphetamine can also be used as an enhancement to increase alertness, concentration and self-confidence in healthy people, of course with side effects and health risks. According to the guidelines, researchers must limit the undermining of a person’s autonomy in all human enhancements they research or develop.