Nanoethics—A Collaboration Across Disciplines

Nano-scientists as Consumers and Sources of Information about Nanoethics

“…These discussions, for example, center on how nanotechnologies can be used for both benign and maladaptive purposes, how society may react to nanotechnologies (Kermisch, 2012), safety protocols (Rasmussen et al, 2012), and privacy, control, and autonomy issues (Allhoff & Lin, 2006;Ebbesen, Andersen, & Besenbacher, 2006).…”

“…Another thread of discussion surrounding nanoethics questions the definition of this research area, while also debating if nanoethics exists as a unique field of study (Cutcliffe, Pense, & Zvalaren, 2012;Rasmussen et al, 2012). Some scholars maintain that nanotechnology introduces novel moral problems, such as human enhancement and undetectable privacy invasion, and therefore should be regarded as a separate discipline (Allhoff & Lin, 2006;Allhoff et al, 2007;Grunwald, 2005).…”

“…With nanoethics gaining greater attention in recent years, the earlier paucity of ethical discussions pointed out by Mnyusiwalla et al (2003) has become less of a problem (Rasmussen et al, 2012). However, even with increased attention several barriers persist relative to how the topic of nanoethics is communicated with nano-scientists and whether recommendations from nanoethics scholarship are being implemented (Rasmussen et al, 2012;Viseu & Maguire, 2012).…”

“…However, even with increased attention several barriers persist relative to how the topic of nanoethics is communicated with nano-scientists and whether recommendations from nanoethics scholarship are being implemented (Rasmussen et al, 2012;Viseu & Maguire, 2012). Nano-scientists' alleged lack of engagement in ethics discussions suggests a communication gap.…”

“…Several scholars have documented a disconnection between nano-scientists and nano-ethicists (Johnson, 2009). For example, Rasmussen, Ebbesen, and Andersen (2012) observed that even though attention to social, ethical, and legal aspects of nanoscience may enhance the development of a responsible discipline, few nano-scientists have participated in discussions about these topics. In addition to the lack of participation, perceived irrelevance has broadened the gap between scientists and ethicists (Viseu & Maguire, 2012).…”