Are Better Workers Also Better Humans? On Pharmacological Cognitive Enhancement in the Workplace and Conflicting Societal Domains

Abstract

The article investigates the sociocultural implications of the changing modern workplace and of pharmacological cognitive enhancement (PCE) as a potential adaptive tool from the viewpoint of social niche construction. We will attempt to elucidate some of the sociocultural and technological trends that drive and influence the characteristics of this specific niche, and especially to identify the kind of capabilities and adaptations that are being promoted, and to ascertain the capabilities and potentialities that might become diminished as a result. In this context, we will examine what PCE is, and how and why it might be desirable as a tool for adaptation within the workplace. As human beings are, or at least should be allowed to be, more than merely productive, able-bodied and able-minded workers, we will further examine how adaptation to the workplace niche could result in problems in other domains of modern societal life that require the same or other cognitive capabilities. In this context we will also focus on the concept of responsibility and how it pertains to PCE and the modern workplace niche. This will shed some light on the kind of trends related to workplace niche construction, PCE and capability promotion that we can expect in the future, and on the contexts in which this might be either beneficial or detrimental to the individual as a well-rounded human being, and to other members of society.

Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out? A Typology of Psychedelic Microdosing as Technologies of the Self

“…Workplaces today have become hybrid: individuals work in increasingly complex environments where they interact with smart digital technologies, or are in some way affected by them (Pustovrh et al, 2018). These technologies facilitate greater responsiveness and productivity, as well as generally higher performance.…”

Between Enlightenment and Madness: The Culture of Sensory Disruptions

“…Westerners, according to growing literature, increasingly appraise and pattern the sensory dimension in terms of its “functionality,” “practicality,” and potential to foster pragmatic “self‐actualization” (Le Dévédec 2020; Moore 2018; Pustovrh et al. 2018).…”

The Biopolitical Embodiment of Work in the Era of Human Enhancement

“…Several studies indicate that the non-therapeutic use of psychostimulants is being used by an increasing number of workers, in a wide range of sectors (Garasic and Lavazza, 2015; Nicholson et al, 2015; Pustovrh et al, 2018; Williams et al, 2013). In healthcare, a recent German study measured the prevalence of psychostimulant use in over 1,000 surgeons (Franke et al, 2013).…”

“…In the field of body studies, attention to human enhancement has caused debate in various fields including regenerative medicine (Lafontaine, 2009; Neilson, 2012); sports and, notably, the link between technology and Paralympic culture (Tamari, 2017); and the military, with the quest for cybersoldiers (Gray, 2003). Yet, its implications in the workplace have received little attention to date, other than a few, rare exceptions (Bloomfield and Dale, 2015; Pustovrh et al, 2018). As highlighted by the British report Human Enhancement and the Future of Work , the workplace is nevertheless at the front line of these contemporary technoscientific and biomedical transformations of the body (Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), 2012).…”

“…As highlighted by the British report Human Enhancement and the Future of Work , the workplace is nevertheless at the front line of these contemporary technoscientific and biomedical transformations of the body (Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS), 2012). 1 Body enhancement practices and especially the use of psychostimulants to enhance concentration, attention or wakefulness in today’s workplaces (Garasic and Lavazza, 2015; Nicholson et al, 2015; Pustovrh et al, 2018; Williams et al, 2013) are an emerging trend that illustrates the very specific way the body and vital capacities are mobilized in today’s workplace. Aiming to overcome the current limits of one’s human body in the contemporary workplace, these practices raise a number of social issues.…”