The author argues that using psychedelics such as psilocybin for moral bioenhancement lacks good justification from both neuropharmacological and bioethical perspectives. The hallucinogenic properties and risk of adverse psychosis undermine their suitability for enhancing morality. There is no sound bioethical basis for this use, and in healthy individuals it would violate the principle of non-maleficence. Unless new non-hallucinogenic derivatives are developed or unequivocal evidence of moral enhancement emerges, an indication for psychedelics in moral bioenhancement is untenable.
A scholar responds to criticism that the risks of psychedelics have been exaggerated and their potential for moral enhancement dismissed. The author maintains that claims about psychedelics improving moral character require far more scientific evidence and broader bioethical discussion before they can be accepted. The piece does not present new data but argues for caution and further debate on the topic.