Overview
This chapter from Human Performance Optimization: The Science and Ethics of Enhancing Human Capabilities addresses the possibility of improving human cognitive performance – referred to as cognitive capital. A long-term goal involved with harnessing this potential is improved cognitive function in situations where great complexity is involved, such as military/political operations, corporate directions, and education. The chapter outlines the fact that measuring gains in cognitive capital extends beyond the traditional bounds of cognition, and that it must be a multidimensional framework with psychological, life-functionality, and emotional-cognition factors also involved. To illustrate the potential for enhancing mental agility, the chapter describes an existing cognitive training program that has produced successful results, not only with activities such as concept abstraction, big picture thinking, and innovation but also in the areas of stress moderation and emotion regulation. Overall, human cognitive capital is presented through a comprehensive lens that considers the smaller- and larger-scale implications of its improvement.
Human Performance Optimization: The Science and Ethics of Enhancing Human Capabilities textbook
