Ritalin et alia add no capabilities - they are essentially (usually reversable) chemical lobotomies.
I don't like the way they are being used - in a state-sanctioned attempt to alter what it means to be a normal boy.
you have a point here.
I don't see how adding capabilities will alter the human mind, but I certainly admit that crippling it (via chemicals or electronics) surely can.
I don't believe "shared thoughts" will ever work. If it does, and if it leads to dilution of individuality, then this also will be a substantive alteration in the human mind.
point there, as well.
but that part really seems to be pure hype.
I suppose that depends on whom you talk to. I've talked people who've said they were given it as kids, and it made them very focused and attentive, and able and willing to learn what they were being taught. It doesn't just sedate them.
I don't believe "shared thoughts" will ever work.
One thing that's already been developed is the ability to use thoughts to control the movement of a cursor on a screen (via EEG technology, mostly), and progress is being made on more complicated operations. And if thoughts can be used to electronically influence the outside world, how long before the reverse can be true? How long before some form of stimulation can directly engender thoughts within a person's mind?