ABSTRACT
Intelligence is one of the hallmarks of our species. It allows us to plan our lives and coordinate our actions. It enables us to create culture, so that we can learn from the insights and errors of vast numbers of people, present and past. But there are different forms of intelligence – different cognitive styles that can be useful for solving important personal and social problems. In this chapter I consider the case for allowing parents to cognitively enhance their children. In particular, I highlight the network effects of general intelligence, which is positively correlated with patience, and with cooperation in social dilemmas. I also highlight enhancement dilemmas that might arise when each is free to choose the specific cognitive traits of their children.
