Augmentation Equity
Augmentation equity refers to societal and policy initiatives aimed at preventing a 'neuro-divide' or 'cognitive divide' where cognitive enhancement technologies (like neural interfaces, brain stimulation, or other neurotechnologies that can enhance cognitive function) create insurmountable economic and social advantages for those who can afford them, potentially leading to a society divided between 'augmented' individuals with enhanced capabilities and 'non-augmented' individuals without access to enhancement technologies. These initiatives address concerns about equity, access, and social justice as neurotechnologies that can enhance cognitive function become available, ensuring that enhancement technologies don't exacerbate existing inequalities or create new forms of social stratification based on access to cognitive enhancement.
This innovation addresses the risk that cognitive enhancement technologies could create or exacerbate social inequalities, where only the wealthy could afford enhancements, potentially creating permanent advantages. By developing equity frameworks, societies can address these concerns. Policymakers, ethicists, and organizations are developing these initiatives.
The technology is important for ensuring that neurotechnology advances benefit all of society, not just those who can afford enhancements. As enhancement technologies become available, equity becomes increasingly important. However, achieving equitable access, managing costs, and addressing fundamental questions about enhancement remain challenges. The technology represents an important area of policy and ethics, but requires difficult value judgments and policy decisions. Success could ensure that cognitive enhancement benefits are shared equitably, but achieving this will require addressing fundamental questions about healthcare, economics, and social values. The challenge of augmentation equity will become increasingly important as effective cognitive enhancement technologies emerge, requiring careful consideration of how to balance innovation, access, and social justice.
