Should We Enhance Self-esteem?

Abstract

The conviction that high self-esteem is beneficial both to the individual and to society in general has been perv asive both in acade mia and in po pular culture. If it is in deed beneficial, it is a prime candidate for pharmacological enhancement. There is evidence to suggest, however, that the benefits of high self-esteem to the individual have been exaggerated; and that there are few - if any - social benefits. With this evidence in mind, I consider in what ways high self-esteem is valuable , and suggest how enhancement could play a role in maximizing its valuable aspects.