11 replies to this topic

[MargT]

Hi there,
I am writing an article for The New Yorker magazine, where I am a staff writer, about cognitive enhancement, and would like to hear from people who would be willing/interested in talking with me, anonymously or not, about their experiences with nootropics, Modafinil in particular. A lot of the articles I've read so far on this topic are kind of speculative--looking at what might be possible in the future in terms of cognitive enhancement but without that much detail about what these drugs can actually help people do now. From what I've read on this forum, this is a particularly thoughtful and articulate group. You can contact me at MargaretTalbot@earthlink.net. Thanks very much.

[Rags847]

Here is your gateway to Modafinil users:

http://www.imminst.o...showtopic=20270

Are you going to cover the Racetams and the ADD drugs as well?

Edited by Rags847, 10 June 2008 - 05:16 PM.

[Rags847]

Margaret Talbot is the real deal, folks.

http://www.newameric...margaret_talbot

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[dr_chaos]

If you are no fake I'd include how important IQ is for success in life and how a low IQ limits a persons possibilities in life. Cognitive enhancement could level out such differences to some extent and give the lower half of the IQ distribution the same opportunities the upper half has. I know its not exactly what you are looking for, but I think this is a topic, which should be brought up when talking about cognitive enhancement, since today we are living in a society where only a small fraction of the people has the cognitive resources to be actively involved in the decision making processes, that decide in what direction society develops. At the moment equality of opportunity is nothing more than a myth. You can find something about the impact of IQ on life chances and professional success at Linda Gottfredsons page( I believe you already know): http://www.udel.edu/...ints/index.html

[dopamine]

Hi there,
I am writing an article for The New Yorker magazine, where I am a staff writer, about cognitive enhancement, and would like to hear from people who would be willing/interested in talking with me, anonymously or not, about their experiences with nootropics, Modafinil in particular. A lot of the articles I've read so far on this topic are kind of speculative--looking at what might be possible in the future in terms of cognitive enhancement but without that much detail about what these drugs can actually help people do now. From what I've read on this forum, this is a particularly thoughtful and articulate group. You can contact me at MargaretTalbot@earthlink.net. Thanks very much.

Unfortunately much of the literature on nootropics and "cognitive enhancers" is either in the form of promotional material or dense scientific writing, with little room in between to fill the gaps in knowledge. There is a taxonomic distinction between drugs like Modafinil ("Provigil"), and substances like piracetam - the original "nootropic" developed by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea in 1964, as the former is a psychostimulant, while the latter is a "cholinergic" that is relatively free of side-effects and toxicity. Modafinil should be treated, both in medical use and in the press, as a stimulant, similar (though not identical) to Adderall or Ritalin - drugs used both to treat ADD/ADHD, but also to give otherwise "normal" individuals a kind of "mental edge." Although Modafinil has less abuse potential, the aim of both drugs is the same (and in fact Modafinil was very close to being approved by the FDA for treatment of ADD/ADHD).

The ethical implication (a primary point of interest for most authors I've read in the press) lies with substances that are sold over-the-counter, and on the internet as "dietary supplements" that purport to increase attention and cognition. That's the real story.

Edited by dopamine, 10 June 2008 - 11:57 PM.

[Rags847]

The ethical implication (a primary point of interest for most authors I've read in the press) lies with substances that are sold over-the-counter, and on the internet as "dietary supplements" that purport to increase attention and cognition. That's the real story.

The ethical implication theme is discussed with regards to prescription medicines (legitimately obtained and otherwise) widely in the press that I have seen.

Good links on ethical implications in this thread: http://www.imminst.o...nts-t18722.html

I always liked the story about the famous mathematician and dextroamphetamine user

http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Paul_Erdős

His colleague Alfréd Rényi said, "a mathematician is a machine for turning coffee into theorems", and Erdős drank copious quantities. (This quotation is often attributed incorrectly to Erdős.)^[4] After 1971 he also took amphetamines, despite the concern of his friends, one of whom (Ron Graham) bet him $500 that he could not stop taking the drug for a month.^[5] Erdős won the bet, but complained during his abstinence that mathematics had been set back by a month: "Before, when I looked at a piece of blank paper my mind was filled with ideas. Now all I see is a blank piece of paper." After he won the bet, he promptly resumed his amphetamine habit.

[cmorera]

Hi there,
I am writing an article for The New Yorker magazine, where I am a staff writer, about cognitive enhancement, and would like to hear from people who would be willing/interested in talking with me, anonymously or not, about their experiences with nootropics, Modafinil in particular. A lot of the articles I've read so far on this topic are kind of speculative--looking at what might be possible in the future in terms of cognitive enhancement but without that much detail about what these drugs can actually help people do now. From what I've read on this forum, this is a particularly thoughtful and articulate group. You can contact me at MargaretTalbot@earthlink.net. Thanks very much.

Welcome to the board, Margaret =]

Edited by cmorera, 11 June 2008 - 05:34 AM.

[Rags847]

Be sure to subscribe to Margaret Talbot's RSS feed so you can be notified and receive her article on cognitive enhancers once it has been published.
http://www.newameric...t/398/all/feed/

[Rags847]

In case you missed it (this thread title is more attention grabbing) Margaret Talbot is writing an article on cognitive enhancers for the New Yorker Magazine and asking for feedback and interviewees.

http://www.imminst.o...gil-t22491.html

Edited by Rags847, 11 June 2008 - 06:11 AM.

[Rags847]

Listen to Margaret Talbot on the radio. A program about Intelligent Design and Anti-Science Bias: "Science And Anti-Science."

http://wamu.org/prog...dr/05/12/21.php

And smart family. David Talbot is her brother. Founder of Salon Mag.

http://www.discovert....asp?indid=1523
http://www.npr.org/t...storyId=1111196

Edited by Rags847, 11 June 2008 - 07:41 PM.

[Zoroaster]

Listen to Margaret Talbot on the radio. A program about Intelligent Design and Anti-Science Bias: "Science And Anti-Science."

http://wamu.org/prog...dr/05/12/21.php

And smart family. David Talbot is her brother. Founder of Salon Mag.

http://www.discovert....asp?indid=1523
http://www.npr.org/t...storyId=1111196

And what are you rags, her personal publicist? Giving us the inside scoop on her history and pedigree and all. No offense, its just a little weird. Do you have some connection to Ms Talbot?


And on the article I agree with Dopamine (as I often do) that the real story lies with the over the counter "supplements". Or at least I personally would rather see a story on the more obscure, yet legal cognitive enhancement drugs, if for no other reason than because Adderall/provigil/ritalin abuse is so overdone. And I would disagree that illegal use of pharmaceuticals constitutes an interesting ethical quandry, as the practice is obviously unethical for several reasons. The use of legal supplements to give oneself an advantage over their fellowman, that is a more nuanced ethical issue.

[Rags847]

Listen to Margaret Talbot on the radio. A program about Intelligent Design and Anti-Science Bias: "Science And Anti-Science."

http://wamu.org/prog...dr/05/12/21.php

And smart family. David Talbot is her brother. Founder of Salon Mag.

http://www.discovert....asp?indid=1523
http://www.npr.org/t...storyId=1111196

And what are you rags, her personal publicist? Giving us the inside scoop on her history and pedigree and all. No offense, its just a little weird. Do you have some connection to Ms Talbot?


And on the article I agree with Dopamine (as I often do) that the real story lies with the over the counter "supplements". Or at least I personally would rather see a story on the more obscure, yet legal cognitive enhancement drugs, if for no other reason than because Adderall/provigil/ritalin abuse is so overdone. And I would disagree that illegal use of pharmaceuticals constitutes an interesting ethical quandry, as the practice is obviously unethical for several reasons. The use of legal supplements to give oneself an advantage over their fellowman, that is a more nuanced ethical issue.

Haha! No, not her personal publicist. Just thought it was cool that a top journalist (if it really is her) is doing a high-profile piece on cognitive enhancement and hoping increased attention will result in more investment of $$$ in the field. That is the current problem with developing ampakines.
http://www.imminst.o...mp;hl=ampakines
'Cortex's biggest problem, Piros said, has been its financial restrictions, which have forced programs to move forward in a linear fashion and never allowed "multiple shots on goal." He predicted that a partnership is unlikely at this stage, but he encouraged Cortex's management to "consider the sale of the company to a larger organization" that could fully exploit the technology.'
And I agree with Talbot's comment on here that we are a thoughtful and intelligent bunch who cares about such things.

I also want to see more attention to over-the-counter (or internet) cognitive enhancers. I locate stories in the press hoping I'll see that and then it just ends up being another piece about Modafinil (being used by the military or by a world-class pool player, etc) or about Adderal and other ADD drugs being taken and sold on college campuses with or without a prescription. Enough already. When Talbot posted her interest in individuals' experience with Modafinil, I asked if she was also going to cover the racetams and other substances discussed here. I hope so.

The ethical implications cover all the substances that give one an advatage (perscription and illegally obtained, over-the counter and ordered-over-the-internet in a grey, semi-legal way (most Modafinil users here)) and raise questions about economic access to enhancers and the possible widening of socio-economic inequalities.

Two thorough articles on the subject, highly recommended:
1]. http://www.enhancepr.../cognition.html
"The social effects of widespread use of enhancement, particularly the concern that social inequality might be exacerbated by technologically-mediated cognitive enhancements were added to the existing advantages of the wealthy and socially privileged (such as private schooling etc.) In this context, it is necessary to both consider whether future cognitive enhancements would be expensive or relatively cheap (like caffeine), and also to study under what conditions society might have an obligation to ensure universal access to interventions that improve cognitive performance. An analogy might be drawn here to public libraries and basic education."

2]. Another awesome paper on the ethical aspects of cognitive enhancement:
http://www.bma.org.u..._brainpower.pdf

Anyway, contact Talbot with your experiences and hopefully more publicity and then more progress will be made in the subject matter of this very sub-forum.

Rags

Edited by Rags847, 12 June 2008 - 05:39 AM.