Final answer:
J. McVicker Hunt initiated a program focused on cognitive enhancement, a concept grounded in neuroconstructivist theories which support the significant role of environmental influences on neural and cognitive development. Unlike genetic modification, his approach ethically aims to improve cognitive abilities through environmental interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aware of both the dramatic effects of early experiences and the impact of early intervention, J. McVicker Hunt began a program of cognitive enhancement. Hunt's emphasis on improving cognitive abilities is rooted in the understanding that early environmental influences can shape neural development and, in turn, cognitive development. This approach aligns with the theory of neuroconstructivism, which posits that experiences in childhood significantly affect the neural pathways and cognitive networks, influencing an individual's overall development.
Neuroconstructivism underlines the bidirectional influence between genes and the environment, indicating that interventions can alter the cognitive and neural trajectory. Disease progression can be potentially mitigated through interventions like cognitive rehabilitation, emphasizing the possibility of positive change even in the presence of genetic predispositions. Hunt's program, therefore, acknowledges the plasticity of the brain and the capacity for interventions to foster better cognitive outcomes.
In contrast to genetic modification, which often raises ethical concerns especially when aimed at enhancement beyond normal capabilities, cognitive enhancement through environmental and educational means is generally considered an ethical and constructive approach to maximizing an individual's potential.