Library Assignment, Essay Example

Nanotechnology is also called molecular manufacturing. It is a branch of engineering that deals with the manufacture and design of electronic circuits and mechanical devices. Nanotechnology manipulates materials atomic make-up to build smaller electromechanical devices. Nanotechnology is used in manufacturing, medicine, and the environment. There are many potential benefits of nanotechnology; however there are many ethical issues that have people thinking twice about the possible benefits. Many believe it is crucial to look closer at the possible social and ethical issues of nanotechnology that could impede the well being of people and the environment. Many believe the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to Nanotechnology.

According to Celine Kermisch, new ethical issues arise at every stage of Nano- technological development. In the article, she first explains that nanotechnologies can be as simple as stain-resistant cotton fabrics to as complexed as brain implants that would enhance human capacities. The Nanotechnologies is divided into four generations. Generation one is simply the adding of a nanomaterial to another material to improve the performance of the first material. Generation two is active nanostructures that can change the behavior of a subject according to their environment. These technologies can target drugs to a particular part of the body. The third generation is systems of nanotechnologies. For example, the third generation would be the building of artificial organs. Finally, the fourth generation is the fusing of machines with human tissue and nervous systems. This would be the actual creation of an artificial being.

Robert McGinn discusses the ethical issues that doctors may face. He says that scientists and engineers have the same type of ethical responsibility. He labels is as (FERSE). He believes that nanotechnologies may cause doctors and engineers to break the four FERSE’s. First, they have an obligation to no do anything to will cause harm or create risk to other or the public welfare. Next, he says they should try to prevent any parties from being harmed by their work. Then he says they should try to alert the parties before significant harm can be done by their work. Finally, they must do their best to serve the best interest of the parties they serve. In his opinion, just knowing of the possible harm that nanotechnologies may cause will cause doctors and engineers to break all four FERSE. Antonio Spagnolo adds, “It seems obvious that human beings find themselves more and more involved in technical and scientific progress, caught between the requirement to improve new technologies (often thereby creating a better quality of life) and that of a more definite protection of fundamental human rights and human dignity.”

All of the authors bring up some of the same issues. One is left to make a decision as to whether or not nanotechnology is worth the risks it could pose to society. They believe it is an atrocity to human nature to dabble with genetic makeup. Although these technologies could benefit some areas-like cancer and HIV studies, it is just too early to foresee the possible risks. Much more research and monitoring must be done in order to ensure human kind that they will be at little or no eminent danger. Monitoring systems must be in place to calm society’s concerns.

Works Cited

Kermisch, C. 2011. Do New Ethical Issues Arise at Each Stage of Nanotechnological Development?

McGinn, R. 2009. Ethical Responsibilities of Nanotechnology Research: A Short Guide.

McGinn, R. 2007. Ethics and Nanotechnology: Views of Nanotechnology Researchers.

Spagnolo, A. & Vivian Daloiso. 2009. Outlining Ethical Issues in Nanotechnologies. Bioethics 23, 394-402.