The ethical judgment: Chemical psychotropics

In the case of psychotropic and nootropic substances, evidence is abundant that the pharmaceutical industries are violating elementary ethical norms, implying a serious liability not only for company managements, but also for researchers, laboratory staff, etc. Moreover, the rapidly expanding consumption of these substances seems to have radical repercussions on society and cultural norms. This chapter points to three such further consequences: an abnormal spread of diagnostics in human interaction (Section 7.1); a potential suspension of the elementary fight for recognition (Section 7.2); and an ever-present demand for perfection in both working and private lives (Section 7.3). The question of responsibility for these developments is addressed.