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.

Zusammenfassung

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.

Inhalt

Introduction: Conceptions of Nanoethics;

Part I: Nanotechnology, Innovation and Industry.

1: Intellectual Property Issues in Nanotechnology;

2: Commercialisation and global access to nanotechnology;

3: Nanotechnology and the Biotech Market;

Part II: Nanotechnology and Society.

4: Risk perceptions in NanoTechnology;

5: Communicating Nanotechnology;

6: Nanotechnology as the new GMO?;

Part III: Nanotechnology and Health.

7: The case for NanoMedicine ;

8: The perils of NanoMedicine;

9: Nanotechnology & Genomics;

Part IV: Nanotechnology and the Environment.

10: The environmental impact of nanotechnology;

11: Nanotechnology as a tool against pollution;

12: Nanotechnology and Biodiversity;

Part V: Nanotechnology and Security.

13: Nanotechnology and Surveillance;

14: Nanotechnology and Terrorism;

15: Nanotechnology and the Battlefield;

Part VI: The Governance of Nanotechnology.

16: Nanotechnology & Global Health;

17: Nanotechnology & World Development;

18: Nanotechnology and Converging Technologies;

Outlook. Towards a nano-future?;