Nanotechnology: Ethics and Society (Perspectives in Nanotechnology)

From manufacturing to medicine, nanotechnology implies revolutionary change. However, the sweeping changes wrought by a technological advance of this magnitude are likely to come at a price that includes unforeseen environmental impact, disruptions in industry, displacement of workers, and deeply controversial applications of the technology and its offspring. Nanotechnology: Ethics and Society provides a conceptually clear and straightforward ethical framework, in which pragmatic questions can be raised regarding the impact of nano-related technologies. The book focuses on general issues related to nanotechnology in nanomaterials and manufacturing as well as impacts on the marketplace and workforce. After an overview of the nanotechnology revolution, the text illustrates key concepts in the assessment model and then applies this model to a case study related to human enhancement technologies. It also offers an ethical agenda for addressing the challenges of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology promises to be the next great technological revolution. This important volume provides a framework for deciding how best to take advantage of nanotechnology opportunities while also minimizing the harm of negative effects. From the Publisher: Nanotechnology promises to be the next great human technological revolution, but such change often comes at the price of unforeseen consequences. Nanotechnology: Ethics and Society explores several of the practical and ethical dilemmas presented by this technological leap. This book provides a framework for deciding how to best take advantage of nanotechnology opportunities while minimizing potential negative effects. After an overview of the nanotechnology revolution, this text illustrates key concepts in the assessment model and then applies this model to a case study related to human enhancement technologies. A final chapter offers an ethical agenda for addressing the challenges of nanotechnology Provides a framework for deciding how to best take advantage of nanotechnology opportunities while minimizing potential negative effects. After an overview of the nanotechnology revolution, this book illustrates key concepts in the assessment model and then applies this model to a case study related to human enhancement technologies Editor, Deb Bennet-woods. A Crc Title. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.