Opinions on smart drugs - immoral/unfair?

[Angrboda]

Regular exercise, good diet, structure, getting good sleep, these all can improve our cognitive functioning.

Yet people think of these as in a different class than taking nootropic drugs to improve function. Why?

One reason is that people feel that unless struggle is involved, a benefit hasn't been earned. This seems rather provincial.

Another reason is the idea that people who use such artificial means of gaining benefit are weak and there's a moral judgement involved. This is like people condemning those with depression or chemical dependency as being weak; it's blaming somebody for not exercising control over their situation, or choosing to take "the easy way out."

Another reason is that it is perceived as unfair that some are able to cheaply gain an advantage while others, whether through ignorance, lack of access, or choice, don't have access to such an advantage. In a school setting, this might be a justifiable objection because how well you do in school has consequences.

I'm not sure I see anything wrong with them, but I would be cautious because all drugs have side effects, and the long-term consequences of taking many of these drugs is unknown.