Contribution to a book

PUBDB-2020-01223

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Nanotechnology and Ethics in Dialogue

Stückelberger, M. (Corresponding author)DESY* ; Stückelberger, C.

2021
De Gruyter Berlin/Boston
ISBN: 9783110719932

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1515/9783110719932-014

Abstract: What is the relationship between nanotechnology and ethics at present, andhow shall it be in future? A scientist with focus on nanomaterials research and a theolo-gian with specialization in ethics, son and father, explore answers in form of a dialogue.They distinguish three ways, how size of nanostructures can drive their functional ity: surface-to-volume ratio, target size, and intrinsic size-related properties. Each of these find applications in nanotechnology that are elaborated based on examples from silver nanoparticles to solar cells and natural nanostructures in butterfly wings. How to evaluate specific technologies with respect to ethics? Both agree on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as generally applicable moral set beyond cultural or religious points of view. Based on the SDG, the ethicist suggests four rules to evaluate nanotechnology research. However, they appear of little practical use to the scientist: embracing all aspects of life, the SDG lack of specificity. Which role should ethics, also institutionalized in ethics committees, play in research? Too often, ethics committees play a prohibitive role. Instead, a shift toward innovative ethics is suggested in close interaction between ethicists and scientists to actively drive research into directions for the good of humanity.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. FS-PETRA (FS-PETRA)

Research Program(s):

1. 6214 - Nanoscience and Materials for Information Technology (POF3-621) (POF3-621)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument

Appears in the scientific report 2021

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