> Anders Sandberg wrote:
> >In general, the idea of nootropics only
> >having positive cognitive effects and no side-effects is *very* unlikely,
>
> In fact it is forbidden by Algernon's Law: All simple major enhancements of
> human intelligence are net evolutionary disadvantages.
>
Algernon's Hypothesis (sorry, it han't been around long enough) says
nothing about the ability of an individual to increase her/his
intelligence, nor does it place any limits on the magnitude of an
increase. Algernon simply states that a person with such an enhancement
will put the fitrness of their genes at risk. Genes, remember, are the source
of many limits we extropians seek to overcome. As an extropian, the fitness of
my genes is a non-issue, if not an annoyance. Just b/c my genes suffer as
my intelligence expands does not mean I do.
Exovivo!
Michael Bowling
mlbowli1@cord.iupui.edu