In Pursuit of Nanoethics (The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology Book 10)

The volume contributes to the ongoing nanoethics debate in four topical areas. The first part tackles questions of what could be called ‘meta-nanoethics’. Its focus lies on basic concepts and the issue of what - if anything - is truly novel and special about the new field of nanoethics or its subject matter. The second part of this volume presents a selection of interesting perspectives on some of the opportunities and challenges of nanotechnology. Part three takes a more in depth look at one of the most pressing current concerns: how to deal with the risks and uncertainties surrounding nanotechnology in a responsible manner. In its fourth and final part the volume touches on issues of public debate and policy. Front Matter....Pages i-viii In Pursuit of Nanoethics: An Introduction....Pages 1-11 Front Matter....Pages 13-13 On the Novelty of Nanotechnology: A Philosophical Essay....Pages 15-29 Does Nanotechnology Require a New “Nanoethics”?....Pages 31-38 GM Food and Nanotechnology....Pages 39-57 Front Matter....Pages 59-59 Nanomedicine and Body Modification: Critical Perspectives....Pages 61-72 Nanotechnology and Biodiversity....Pages 73-87 Nanotechnologically Enhanced Combat Systems: The Downside of Invulnerability....Pages 89-103 Front Matter....Pages 105-105 Risk, Precaution, and Nanotechnology....Pages 107-130 The Risks of Nanomedicine and the Precautionary Principle....Pages 131-145 Ethical and Societal Values in Nanotoxicology....Pages 147-163 Front Matter....Pages 165-165 Nanotechnology, Risk and Public Perceptions....Pages 167-181 Unlocking the Futures of Nanotechology. Future-Oriented Narratives and Access to the Public Discourse on Nanoscale....Pages 183-192 Nanotechnology and Ethics – European Public Policies....Pages 193-208 Back Matter....Pages 209-211 This volume assembles an interdisciplinary team of leading academics, industry figures, policymakers and NGO’s to consider the legal, ethical and social issues that are raised by innovations in nanoscience and nanotechnology. By bringing together international experts from a diverse range of fields this volume addresses the implications and impact that nanotechnology has on society. Through the exploration of six key themes the contributors analyse both the impact of nanotechnology and the emergence of the concept of nanoethics. Each section includes authors from both sides of the political and scientific divide – incorporating both positive and negative perspectives on nanotechnology, as well as including discussions of associated concepts such as converging technologies. The result provides for the widest and most balanced discussion of these issues to date