The potential direct, positive effects of the psychedelic psilocybin on moral bio-enhancement were discussed in Vojin Rakić’s lecture, “Neuroethics and Psychiatry: Is Psilocybin the Most Effective Moral Enhancer.”
Presented on November 22nd in the Main Hall of the Institute of Social Sciences, Dr. Rakić presented arguments that non-psychedelic substances like oxytocin, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or vasopressin have an indirect impact on moral improvement, while psilocybin exerts a more direct effect. It was emphasized that morality and happiness operate in a mutually supportive relationship. Rakić argued that psilocybin has more direct effects on increasing human happiness compared to non-psychedelic substances.
Therefore, psilocybin enhances its influence on both morality and moral improvement (as well as happiness) compared to alternatives. However, Dr. Rakić cautioned about the use of psilocybin, emphasizing the importance of a precise dosage prescribed by a qualified doctor. A potentially safer approach could involve combining psilocybin with meditation, preferably under the guidance of an experienced meditation specialist, to further enhance its effects on moral improvement and happiness. The lively discussion involved philosophers and psychiatrists. One of the questions raised in the discussion by psychiatrists was whether psilocybin could be an appropriate therapy for various personality disorders, as these could be considered “moral illnesses.”
Vojin Rakić’s lecture is the eleventh in the series of seminars titled “Philosophy and Psychiatry” organized by the Center for Philosophy at the Institute of Social Sciences.
