Rahul Parikh explores the moral implications of taking performance-enhancing drug:
[W]hat if, for example, your child needs a lifesaving but risky and complex 15-hour surgery? Wouldn't you want that doctor to be as alert as possible throughout the procedure, even if that meant using Provigil or another cognitive-enhancer? Or what if your son is on the ground in Afghanistan? Wouldn't you want him to be able to take a dose of Ritalin before going on patrol, so he’s sharp and ready to defend himself?
Scholars in Nature made the case in favor of these sorts of drugs a couple of years ago:
Human ingenuity has given us means of enhancing our brains through inventions such as written language, printing and the Internet … And we are all aware of the abilities to enhance our brains with adequate exercise, nutrition and sleep … drugs … should be viewed in the same general category as education, good health habits, and information technology — ways that our uniquely innovative species tries to improve itself.
The Dish 