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14 Nanotechnology and ethics in dialogue

  • Michael Stuckelberger und Christoph Stückelberger
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Ethics in Nanotechnology
Ein Kapitel aus dem Buch Ethics in Nanotechnology

Abstract

What is the relationship between nanotechnology and ethics at present, and how shall it be in future? A scientist with focus on nanomaterials research and a theologian with specialization in ethics, son and father, explore answers in form of a dialogue. They distinguish three ways, how size of nanostructures can drive their functionality: surface-to-volume ratio, target size, and intrinsic size-related properties. Each of these find applications in nanotechnology that are elaborated based on examples from silver nanoparticles to solar cells and natural nanostructures in butterfly wings. How to evaluate specific technologies with respect to ethics? Both agree on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as generally applicable moral set beyond cultural or religious points of view. Based on the SDG, the ethicist suggests four rules to evaluate nanotechnology research. However, they appear of little practical use to the scientist: embracing all aspects of life, the SDG lack of specificity. Which role should ethics, also institutionalized in ethics committees, play in research? Too often, ethics committees play a prohibitive role. Instead, a shift toward innovative ethics is suggested in close interaction between ethicists and scientists to actively drive research into directions for the good of humanity.

Abstract

What is the relationship between nanotechnology and ethics at present, and how shall it be in future? A scientist with focus on nanomaterials research and a theologian with specialization in ethics, son and father, explore answers in form of a dialogue. They distinguish three ways, how size of nanostructures can drive their functionality: surface-to-volume ratio, target size, and intrinsic size-related properties. Each of these find applications in nanotechnology that are elaborated based on examples from silver nanoparticles to solar cells and natural nanostructures in butterfly wings. How to evaluate specific technologies with respect to ethics? Both agree on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as generally applicable moral set beyond cultural or religious points of view. Based on the SDG, the ethicist suggests four rules to evaluate nanotechnology research. However, they appear of little practical use to the scientist: embracing all aspects of life, the SDG lack of specificity. Which role should ethics, also institutionalized in ethics committees, play in research? Too often, ethics committees play a prohibitive role. Instead, a shift toward innovative ethics is suggested in close interaction between ethicists and scientists to actively drive research into directions for the good of humanity.

Kapitel in diesem Buch

  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 XXIII
  7. Embedding ethics in nanomedicine: Europe acted promptly XXIX
  8. List of contributing authors XXXIX
  9. About the editors XLIII
  10. Part I: International reflection
  11. 1 Toward a revitalized vision of ethics and safety for the revolutionary nanotechnologies 1
  12. Part II: Nanotechnology expansions raising ethical concerns
  13. 2 Nanotechnology in agrifood sector: Ethical, regulatory, and governance landscape in EU 25
  14. 3 Defining nanoscience and nano-ethics: why does the future need nanoproducts? 59
  15. 4 Streaching the notion of moral responsibility in nanoelectronics by appying AI 75
  16. 5 Risk screening tools for engineered nanomaterials 89
  17. 6 Nano-ethics: A view from a developing country 109
  18. Part III: Nanotechnology philosophy: Dilemmas and ethical issues
  19. 7 Christian thinking and acting in nanotechnologies: Reflection based on the principles and values of the Social Teaching of the Church based on apps concerning old people 121
  20. 8 Ethical imperatives towards the development prospects of the triad of Dentistry 4.0, dental engineering, and nanoengineering 157
  21. 9 Debate: Nanoparticles – a blessing or a curse? 249
  22. 10 The broad spectrum of ethics in nanoscience and nanotechnology: A reflection from scientific research to the media 269
  23. Part IV: Ethical recommendations for promising technology
  24. 11 From big statements to anecdotal and incremental regulation: Nanotechnology and the law in the EU 281
  25. 12 Emerging nanoregulations: zapping the mythical absence of nanotechnology law 297
  26. 13 Contemporary global bioethical challenges of innovation in nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals 311
  27. 14 Nanotechnology and ethics in dialogue 325
  28. 15 Revitalizing nano-ethics: Nanotechnology at the center of nano-ethics 337
  29. 16 Reflections on nano-ethics the way forward toward equitable and safe nanotechnology for all 349
  30. Conclusion 355
  31. Index 359
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110719932-014

Kapitel in diesem Buch

  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 XXIII
  7. Embedding ethics in nanomedicine: Europe acted promptly XXIX
  8. List of contributing authors XXXIX
  9. About the editors XLIII
  10. Part I: International reflection
  11. 1 Toward a revitalized vision of ethics and safety for the revolutionary nanotechnologies 1
  12. Part II: Nanotechnology expansions raising ethical concerns
  13. 2 Nanotechnology in agrifood sector: Ethical, regulatory, and governance landscape in EU 25
  14. 3 Defining nanoscience and nano-ethics: why does the future need nanoproducts? 59
  15. 4 Streaching the notion of moral responsibility in nanoelectronics by appying AI 75
  16. 5 Risk screening tools for engineered nanomaterials 89
  17. 6 Nano-ethics: A view from a developing country 109
  18. Part III: Nanotechnology philosophy: Dilemmas and ethical issues
  19. 7 Christian thinking and acting in nanotechnologies: Reflection based on the principles and values of the Social Teaching of the Church based on apps concerning old people 121
  20. 8 Ethical imperatives towards the development prospects of the triad of Dentistry 4.0, dental engineering, and nanoengineering 157
  21. 9 Debate: Nanoparticles – a blessing or a curse? 249
  22. 10 The broad spectrum of ethics in nanoscience and nanotechnology: A reflection from scientific research to the media 269
  23. Part IV: Ethical recommendations for promising technology
  24. 11 From big statements to anecdotal and incremental regulation: Nanotechnology and the law in the EU 281
  25. 12 Emerging nanoregulations: zapping the mythical absence of nanotechnology law 297
  26. 13 Contemporary global bioethical challenges of innovation in nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals 311
  27. 14 Nanotechnology and ethics in dialogue 325
  28. 15 Revitalizing nano-ethics: Nanotechnology at the center of nano-ethics 337
  29. 16 Reflections on nano-ethics the way forward toward equitable and safe nanotechnology for all 349
  30. Conclusion 355
  31. Index 359
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Heruntergeladen am 29.9.2025 von https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110719932-014/html
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