Deck 41: Enhancement and Cheating

Question 1

Rebecca Roache admits that if cognitive enhancers are just positional goods, then their use is morally questionable. Imagine that cognitive enhancers are solely positional goods. Why would that make pursuing them immoral? If it would be, should they be banned, or should it be left up to individuals to decide what to do? If it wouldn't be, why not?

Answer 1

Demonstrate understanding of the concept of positional goods, as well as Roache's point about cognitive enhancers as positional goods.
Develop a thoughtful position on the ethics of cognitive enhances as positional goods, correctly identifying and defending controversial claims using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 2

Perhaps it's true that on the whole higher education is not a competition. But there are some contexts in academic life that are highly competitive. Think of some of these, and explain your view about whether there should be bans on using cognitive-enhancement drugs in these narrower settings.

Answer 2

Identify some cases where it's plausible that academic life is highly competitive.
Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 3

Rebecca Roache says that maybe what actually matters in the conversation about cognitive enhancers is whether they are safe, non-addictive, and accessible. Do some research about one of these aspects of cognitive enhancement. Does the information that you found lead you to a different conclusion than Roache? If so, why? If not, why not?

Answer 3

Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc.

Question 4

The concern about cognitive-enhancement drugs that Roache focuses on is whether using them is ________:

A) Cheating
B) Illegal
C) Dishonest
D) Lazy
E) Unsafe

Question 5

It is usually true that for an action to count as cheating, it must be ________:

A) Prohibited
B) Selfish
C) Disrespectful
D) Harmful
E) Deceitful

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a concern about cognitive-enhancement drugs that Roache mentions but does not focus on?

A) Addictiveness
B) Safety
C) Availability
D) Healthiness
E) Effectiveness

Question 7

Which of the following best captures Roache's view about cognitive-enhancing drugs in higher education?

A) Their use is immoral but should not be banned
B) The benefits of their use outweigh potential harms
C) There is no conceivable harm in using them
D) There are benefits but they still ought to be banned
E) Their use is immoral and ought to be banned

Question 8

Roach admits that it would be wrong to use cognitive-enhancement drugs if they were only positional goods.

Question 9

Roache claims that using caffeine or consulting a tutor is morally dissimilar to using cognitive enhancers.

Question 10

Roache denies that higher education is a level playing field for students.

Question 11

What sort of gain does Roache believe using cognitive enhancement drugs can bring about?

A) Intellectual
B) Spiritual
C) Emotional
D) Social
E) Interpersonal

Question 12

A "positional good" is best described as a good that a person achieves in what way?

A) Only at other people's disadvantage
B) Due to accidental circumstances
C) By virtue of one's geographical location
D) By being well-connected
E) Based on one's past achievements

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a serious moral concern about cognitive-enhancing drugs, for Roache?

A) Unfairness
B) Addictiveness
C) Healthiness
D) Availability
E) Safety