An article about Modafinil and other productivity enhancing drugs. So are we going to stick with what nature has given us, or are we going to begin a "productivity arms race" as the author puts it?
Y'know, this leads me to thinking. We're all talking about AI taking everything over because of how much faster, more performing it will eventually be. But what if, somewhere down the line, there's a future where we advance biochemistry and transhumanism to the point where we actually can be a challenge to these AI? It sounds like this sort of thing could lead there. I most certainly hope not - but it's not impossible at this point, is it? Side note - I really hope that it won't happen and that we'll use it for things that matter, if it's safe - like emergency service employees being able to take a dose for emergency in emergencies - like these firefighters who had to do a 36-hour shift. (Another side note: I really wonder what effects this has on sleeping and the body. Because I'll be honest, I'm straight-up TERRIFIED of the prospect of a no-sleep pill.)
well, the human brain is essentially one big organic AI. It's entirely possible that we could strip out all the unimportant shit that it wastes time on and make something that could outperform an AI, but at that point you're making something that's not really human.
From my understanding of drugs, stimulants don't get rid of the need to sleep, they just prevent you from feeling sleepy. The article mentioned histamines. Sleep is a physical necessity of humans, and a pill won't change that. There are some other augmentations that could maybe do so; I'm thinking an AI that could take over certain brain functions for a while, and just let parts of the brain or body sleep at a time. But, I'm a transhumanist, and so I'm coming at this from the side opposite you, and I like to think and dream of that sort of thing.
The main reason I dread a no-sleep supplement is twofold: first, sleep is amazing (I know, lame right). Second - removing the need for sleep may make some things allowable to companies if we don't regulate it well, including longer working hours (and you know that the US won't be able to regulate it because lobbyists)
Oh, trust me, as a teenager nearing the end of my summer, I know sleep is awesome. The regulation is a good point, though I believe existing drug regulations could be used to cover it. Amphetamines are Schedule II, and proper enforcement could help avoid that. At the same time though, strengthening the war on drugs isn't something I would generally be in favor of. Probably be best to deal with the underlying problem: lobbyists. I believe full heartedly that we need a cultural and spiritual shift along with any technological advancements for transhumanism to work.
Entirely agreed. Transhumanism must be developed as a tool to further the interests of humanity, and not of a select group of elite people.
The range of nootropics is vast. Not only are there the drugs mentioned here, but also supplements, OTC meds, and even foods. Caffeine, when combined with L-thiamine, such as in green tea, has a similar, but less potent, effect as the drugs mentioned. Could it be considered cheating then to drink a cup of tea before a big test or presentation? I sure hope not. The article's focus on just modafinil is understandable, but it also serves to limit discussion to these 'wonder-drug' type meds that work instantly. Many, if not most, nootropics are supplements; when taken over time, they help improve certain cognitive functions. As far as a 'productivity arms race,' I doubt those are our only two options. There is a course to the future that leaves room for both a healthy view of competition and human supplementation. Honestly, I don't see how an arms race could develop here, medical research is already rather globalised, and more so every day. The article doesn't cover the extent of the effects of these drugs. They are small. These aren't a drug you give your employee today and suddenly they are better than any of their competitors. It is measurable, but these aren't miracles.