Skip to main content
Chapter
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

3 Nanotechnology: Societal impact and ethical considerations

  • and
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Explore this Subject How to publish with us
Ethics in Nanotechnology
This chapter is in the book Ethics in Nanotechnology

Abstract

In this chapter, we offer an introduction to nanotechnology, highlighting the big impact of these tiny things, and we reflect on its ethical implications. Firstly, we argue that nanotechnology is no mere hype and substantiate this with an overview of its applications in medicine, consumer products, and industrial products. Secondly, we discuss the harms nanotechnology might cause to health and environment and argue that the development of nanoproducts and applications should therefore be regulated. Thirdly, we take on societal issues following from the development of nanotechnology, such as economic and social (in)justice, potential violations of privacy, and autonomy and unethical applications. In the face of these ethical issues, we argue that there is need for transparency, interdisciplinary panels concerned with “nano-ethics” and institutions of democratic control. Finally, we offer a series of concrete recommendations in the face of this promising and disruptive technology.

Abstract

In this chapter, we offer an introduction to nanotechnology, highlighting the big impact of these tiny things, and we reflect on its ethical implications. Firstly, we argue that nanotechnology is no mere hype and substantiate this with an overview of its applications in medicine, consumer products, and industrial products. Secondly, we discuss the harms nanotechnology might cause to health and environment and argue that the development of nanoproducts and applications should therefore be regulated. Thirdly, we take on societal issues following from the development of nanotechnology, such as economic and social (in)justice, potential violations of privacy, and autonomy and unethical applications. In the face of these ethical issues, we argue that there is need for transparency, interdisciplinary panels concerned with “nano-ethics” and institutions of democratic control. Finally, we offer a series of concrete recommendations in the face of this promising and disruptive technology.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface: Converging technologies from the nanoscale require enhanced ethics VII
  3. Forewords XI
  4. Acknowledgments XVII
  5. Contents XIX
  6. Introduction: Overall vision of ethics in nanotechnology developments XXI
  7. Embedding ethics in nanomedicine: Europe acted promptly XXVII
  8. List of contributing authors XXXVII
  9. About the editors XLI
  10. Part I: Nanotechnology challenges – implications for philosophy, ethics, and society
  11. 1 Nanoethics: Giving orientation to societal reflection 1
  12. 2 Is there a new technological imperative? 21
  13. Part II: Advancing nanoscience initiatives and ethical concerns
  14. 3 Nanotechnology: Societal impact and ethical considerations 43
  15. 4 The nanotechnology transition 63
  16. 5 Technological revolution, societal counter-revolution? 83
  17. 6 The evolution of nanoscale research: Lessons learned and questions asked 93
  18. 7 The synergistic ethics interaction with nanoengineering, dentistry, and dental engineering 119
  19. 8 Nanoscience and nanotechnology: Ethical implications for Latin American scientists 191
  20. 9 Engineering marvels with nanotechnology 205
  21. Part III: Ethical reflections in health care and environment
  22. 10 Ethical principles and issues in nanomedicine: The role of clinical ethics 229
  23. 11 Ethical and social aspects arising from nanomedicine in health care 247
  24. 12 Ethics reflection and responsibility of nano drugs 259
  25. 13 Nanocosmetics: Technological advances and ethics 275
  26. 14 Safety of biomedical nanomaterials 299
  27. Conclusion 315
  28. Index 319
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110701883-003

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface: Converging technologies from the nanoscale require enhanced ethics VII
  3. Forewords XI
  4. Acknowledgments XVII
  5. Contents XIX
  6. Introduction: Overall vision of ethics in nanotechnology developments XXI
  7. Embedding ethics in nanomedicine: Europe acted promptly XXVII
  8. List of contributing authors XXXVII
  9. About the editors XLI
  10. Part I: Nanotechnology challenges – implications for philosophy, ethics, and society
  11. 1 Nanoethics: Giving orientation to societal reflection 1
  12. 2 Is there a new technological imperative? 21
  13. Part II: Advancing nanoscience initiatives and ethical concerns
  14. 3 Nanotechnology: Societal impact and ethical considerations 43
  15. 4 The nanotechnology transition 63
  16. 5 Technological revolution, societal counter-revolution? 83
  17. 6 The evolution of nanoscale research: Lessons learned and questions asked 93
  18. 7 The synergistic ethics interaction with nanoengineering, dentistry, and dental engineering 119
  19. 8 Nanoscience and nanotechnology: Ethical implications for Latin American scientists 191
  20. 9 Engineering marvels with nanotechnology 205
  21. Part III: Ethical reflections in health care and environment
  22. 10 Ethical principles and issues in nanomedicine: The role of clinical ethics 229
  23. 11 Ethical and social aspects arising from nanomedicine in health care 247
  24. 12 Ethics reflection and responsibility of nano drugs 259
  25. 13 Nanocosmetics: Technological advances and ethics 275
  26. 14 Safety of biomedical nanomaterials 299
  27. Conclusion 315
  28. Index 319
Downloaded on 10.5.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110701883-003/html?lang=en
Scroll to top button