Nanotalk: Conversations With Scientists and Engineers About Ethics, Meaning, and Belief in the Development of Nanotechnology

by Berne; Rosalyn W.

• ISBN13: 9780805848106
• ISBN10: 080584810X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-08-31
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

No one really knows where nanotechnology is leading, what its pursuit will mean, and how it may affect human and other forms of life. Nevertheless, its research and development are moving briskly into that unknown. Nanotalk is a book of conversations and explorations with thirty five such nano-research scientists and engineers who share their ideas, experiences, perceptions, and beliefs about their work, humanity, nature, change, and the future of the world with nanotechnology. Precisely because of the unknowable nature of nanotechnology research and development, conscientious foresight and ethical reflection are warranted every step of the way. Not only do nanotechnology research and development represent enormous financial commitments, but they also require a profound leap of faith regarding its possible outcomes. Using these conversations as the basis of reflection and deliberation, the author explores the possible significance of nanotechnology to humanity and how it might be pursued conscientiously andethically.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xi
Preface	xiii
Acknowledgments	xv
Russell	1	(16)
Introduction: Narrative and the Voices of Research Scientists and Engineers	17	(24)
Researchers as Experts	21	(3)
Limitations on the Voices of Researchers	24	(2)
Scientist as Person	26	(2)
Narratives in the Public Discourse	28	(2)
Research Project: Meaning and Belief Inside the Development of Nanotechnology	30	(11)
I. ETHICS
1 The Nanotechnology "Revolution"	41	(33)
From Vision to Initiative	43	(3)
Riding the Wave of Research Funding	46	(1)
Venturing Into Uncertainty	47	(9)
Where Is the Moral Leadership of this Revolution?	56	(1)
Responsibility for an Unpredictable Technological Revolution	56	(3)
Caroline	59	(15)
2 Three Dimensions of Nanoethics	74	(37)
Ethically Challenging Characteristics of Nanotechnology Development	76	(1)
Approaching an Ethics of Nanotechnology	76	(3)
A Three Dimensional Framework	79	(1)
First Dimension Nanoethics	79	(3)
Second Dimension Nanoethics	82	(6)
Third Dimension Nanoethics	88	(4)
Directed Rather than Determined	92	(1)
Beautiful Science in a Social Context	92	(3)
Luis	95	(16)
II. MEANING
3 Conceptual Frameworks, Themes, and Values	111	(49)
The Responsibility of Society for Ethical Nanotechnology	114	(5)
Lan	119	(3)
The Moral Neutrality of Nanoscale Science and Engineering	122	(6)
The Inevitability of Nanotechnology Development (Determinism Lives On)	128	(7)
All Knowledge is Good and Technology is Neutral	135	(5)
Values in Nanotechnology Research and Design: The Case of the Aerogel	140	(2)
Timothy	142	(18)
4 Meaning Making	160	(41)
The Making of Meaning	160	(2)
The Negotiation of Self in Technology	162	(2)
Intentionality and Responsibility	164	(4)
Recreating the World, Ourselves, and Our Senses	168	(5)
Meaning Making and Change	173	(1)
Pseudovalues Disguising Technology's Black Boxes	174	(4)
Nathan	178	(23)
III. BELIEF
5 New Knowledge and Nature	201	(43)
New Knowledge, Myths and Manipulations	204	(3)
Scientific Understandings of Nature	207	(2)
Nanotechnology as Another Response to Nature	209	(3)
Control and Fear in the Manipulation of Nature	212	(4)
Nature as Inspiration and Master	216	(2)
Striving for Knowledge From and About Nature	218	(14)
Back to Eden	232	(4)
Cecelia	236	(8)
6 Imagination, Metaphor, and Science Fiction	244	(23)
Science Fiction as Predictor	245	(1)
Cultural Criticism or Analytical Philosophy?	245	(3)
Science Fiction as Cultural Narrative	248	(13)
Technological Projections of Self	261	(2)
Myths of Metamorphosis	263	(4)
7 Noble Revisited	267	(42)
The Mythic Religion of Technology	269	(3)
Myth	272	(1)
Kent	273	(14)
Noble Revisited	287	(5)
Geoffrey	292	(17)
8 Conscientious Moral Commitments	309	(17)
Proposal for the Humanitarian, Conscientious Pursuit of Nanotechnology	312	(4)
Humanitarian Hopes and Practical Limitations	316	(9)
Final Thoughts	325	(1)
Appendix A: Methodology and Preliminary Research Findings	326	(11)
Emergent Categories and Properties of Analysis	327	(10)
Appendix B: History of the Nanotechnology Initiative in the United States	337	(2)
Appendix C: Interview Protocol	339	(3)
Appendix D: 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act	342	(3)
Impact of Public Law	342	(1)
Legislative History	343	(2)
References	345	(6)
Further Reading	347	(4)
Author Index	351	(2)
Subject Index	353