Publication
Joachim Schummer; Davis Baird (Eds)
Nanotechnology Challenges. Implications for Philosophy, Ethics and Society
Type of publication: Book
Abstract: This book includes contributions from scholars in science and technology studies on the philosophical, ethical and societal issues related to nanotechnology. It includes articles which have been published before in the journals Hyle: International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry and Techne: Research in Philosopy and Technology. The authors are from North America and Europe.
Summary: The volume is divided in three parts: Philosophical, Ethical and Societal issues of nanotechnology. The first part on Philosophical Issues includes two articles comparing Drexlerian molecular nanotechnology with mainstream nanotechnology on their philosophical aspects. This part continues with an examination of the metaphysical issues related to nanotechnology in relation to nature in three articles. A third section addresses epistemological questions that arise from nanoimaging techniques in two articles. Section four includes two articles analysing the complexity of nanotechnology in society at large and regarding the research networks involved. The part on ethics of nanotechnology includes a section incorporating two analyses of social ethical and environmental ethical aspects of nanotechnology as a whole. Section six deals with risk and opportunity analysis, assessment and management including perception and handling in three contributions. The last part of the book is dedicated to broader societal issues, which are currently linked to future visions of nanotechnology. Two articles include a comparison of the visions of Drexler and a report from the US National Nanotechnology Initiative, and an analysis of the emotional contents in public communication on nanotechnology. The final section investigates likely public reactions to nanotechnology visions in two contributions.
ISSN/ISBN: 981-256-729-1
More information: http://www.joachimschummer.net/book [..]
Last changed: 13 June 2006
