Professional paper

NANOETHICS – A NEW CHAPTER IN ETHICAL STUDIES

Štefan Luby ; Institute for Forecasting, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Centre of Excellence CESTA (Centre for Strategic Analysis), Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Martina Lubyová ; Institute for Forecasting, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Centre of Excellence CESTA (Centre for Strategic Analysis), Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract

Nanotechnology as a natural continuation of microtechnology introduced a new way of building molecular structures through bottom-up methods. The approach provides numerous new opportunities in information technology, medicine and new materials; however, it also brings new risks. In the paper we summarize a brief history of nanoscience and nanotechnology by documenting the main milestones on the roadmap of this branch since the beginning of the 20th century. We discuss new properties of materials and structures appearing in the nanoworld. We highlight the role of social sciences and humanities in nanoscience. Attention is paid to new threats originating in this field, as well as to the code of conduct of responsible nanoscientist. The issues represent subjects of nanoethics – a discipline that opens up a new chapter in the ethical studies. In this context we summarize the basic problems of the contemporary nanoethics, which deal with human enhancement and related religious and theological aspects, nanotoxicology, regulations and specifics of intellectual property rights in nanotechnology. Economic implications, especially the possibility of bridging the nano-divide currently appearing between developed and developing world, are discussed as well. We conclude by arguing that nanoscience and nanotechnology open up new horizons in the field of philosophy. There is a need to overcome the ambivalence of public opinion towards nanoscience and nanotechnology by the means of providing correct and opened information and continuous technology assessment.

Keywords

nanoscience and nanotechnology; nanoethics; nanotoxicology; nano-divide

Hrčak ID:

137741

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/137741

Publication date:

31.3.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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