Abstract

In recent years, new ways of understanding and treating mental and emotional capacities have undergone an unparalleled development. We are referring to neuroscience and pharmacology, both of which have the human brain as their grounds of study. One of their aims is to alter emotional states in order to help individuals to overcome stages of depression and personality limitations, such as shyness, fear or anxiety. A parallelism can be made here with the sports sector, as these emotional enhancements can have a direct impact on the athletes’ performance. This raises numerous questions: what can be said about doping and cognitive or mood enhancement? what does it mean and imply to increase the emotional capacities of athletes? are enhancement treatments in humans ethically acceptable and legally viable in the sporting context? and if so, where should we draw the line between what is legal and what is not? and if so, where should we draw the line between what is legal and what is not, in other words, what should be the criteria for the ethical and legal evaluation of these treatments? In simple terms, what should be the criteria for the ethical and legal evaluation of these treatments?