Nanoethics: Big Ethical Issues with Small Technology

ISBN-13: 9781847063953 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 248 str.

DonalP O'Mathuna

Opis

Nanotechnology manipulates matter at the atomic level. It leads to innovative processes and products that are revolutionizing many areas of modern life. Huge amounts of public funds are being invested in the science, yet the public has little understanding of the technology or its ethical implications. Indeed, the ethical, social, and political dimensions of nanotechnology are only beginning to receive the attention they require -- outside of science fiction contexts. Surveillance devices may become so small that they are practically invisible to the naked eye, raising concerns about privacy. Nanomedicine may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic devices, yet anxieties have been raised about the impact of "nanobots" circulating in our bodies. Military applications, or misuses, of nanotechnology raise other concerns. This book explores in an accessible and informative way how nanotechnology is likely to impact the lives of ordinary people in the coming years and why ethical reflection on nanotechnology is needed now.

Recenzje

With such a disruptive technology, it's hardly surprising that ethical questions arise, and they are engagingly discussed in [Nanoethics]. Claire O'Connell, Irish Times

Spis treści

Preface 1. Nanotechnology: In Search of a Definition 2. Developing Nanotechnology: In the Beginning... 3. Ethics and Nanotechnology: What's the Story? 4. Dealing with Risk: Preying on Fear 5. Precaution: More Forwards Slowly 6. Global Nanotech: Turning the World Upside Down 7. Nanomedicine: Honey, I Shrunk the Doctor 8. Enhancement: Becoming Better than Healthy 9. The Posthuman Future: Making Room for Human Dignity 10. Technology and the Future: Revisiting Daedalus and Icarus Conclusion Bibliography Index

O autorze

Dónal P. O'Mathúna is Senior Lecturer in Ethics, Decision-Making & Evidence at Dublin City University, Ireland. He has served as an ethicist on a number of ethics committees, and has published widely on bioethics.