Nanoethics: The Ethical and Social Implications of Nanotechnology, is an indpeth discussion of the ethical and moral issues surrounding the impending advances in the field of nanotechnology. The book is comprised of a series of essays and speeches by leaders in the field with broad and varying perspectives and unique insights into this burgeoning area of study. The editors, Fritz Allhoff, Patrick Lin, James Moor, and John Weckert, have done an excellent job of selecting readings that provide valuable information for science enthusiasts and the layperson alike, and ordering these readings in a manner that does not express a bias. This book is one of the first of its kind, and will expand the debate of this ever-improving technology to include the general public. I highly recommend Nanoethics for anyone who cares about the future of technology, production, public safety, human interaction, and the environment.
Nanotechnology is the manipulation or interaction of materials at the molecular level (1-100 nanometers, or 1-100 billionths of a meter). To understand the size, or scale, of a nanometer, one nanometer next to a meter stick would be the same as one blueberry next to the earth. Physical properties at the nano-scale are quite varied when compared to a scale that we are used to. For example, aluminum, which is highly stable and easily manipulated on a large scale, is violently explosive in the presence of air at the nano-scale.
Scientists hope to use nanotechnology to manipulate individual molecules and control production of consumer products to minutely precise specifications. If the goals are successfully achieved, it would be possible to take starting materials (dirt and water) and produce a myriad of products ranging from fresh Atlantic Salmon, to a new car. This would be possible because every product humans produce is comprised of molecules in a specific order. If we can control the way in which we organize molecules, we can produce any product.
The book is organized into seven sections, dealing with all aspects of nanotechnology. The sections are organized into an introduction to, background of, preparation for, health and environmental concerns of, governmental policy of, social impact of, and future of nanotechnology. Each chapter has been written independently, so the logical flow is slightly jumbled and the voice shifts repeatedly. Concepts addressed in one chapter may not be readdressed or countered until several chapters later. Nevertheless, the book covers all of the relevant topics, and addresses numerous subjects that would have been omitted if written by a single author.
The authors of the individual chapters do little to combat the notion that nanotechnology will be a mechanism to solve every problem known to man. The overly optimistic ideas projected as certainties within 20-30 years are comparable to the myopic predictions expressed by nuclear advocates in the 1950's. Given the rate at which technological predictions come to fruition, it can be assumed that nanotechnology will be far from the predicted level of omnipotent science.
The predicted capabilities of nanotechnology in Nanoethics are far reaching, and all encompassing. Some of the predictions made in the book seem to be more science fiction than real science. Ranging from limitless cheap commodity production to the end of human death, it is fair to say that the individual authors have predicted their idea of a utopia, rather than made judgments based in reality. As far as the idea that we could use nanotechnology to manufacturer products quickly and inexpensively, I think it would require more effort than is discussed in the book. All biological entities use this form of manufacturing to grow, and this is not a fast easy process. Biological entities are highly specialized at building specific molecules, and they take months or even years to build something on a large scale. It seems unfeasible to me that this process would operate any differently than it occurs in nature. While it may be possible to produce an F-22 fighter by molecular manufacturing, it would probably take several years and a large input of energy.
When not droning on about nanotechnology returning man to the Garden of Eden, the bulk of the selected writings do provide sound reasoning for use of regulation and caution in this undeveloped science. Authors are quick to suggest that just because we can create something, doesn't mean we should. One author, Bill Joy, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems, even goes so far as to suggest relinquishment of new technologies due to the possible dangers of misuse or an accident. Bill Joy's argument is well opposed by later authors (and even specifically addressed), but the need for regulation is clearly defined.
I agree with several authors points that regulation is needed, and that such regulation should be addressed within the public forum. Much of this open discussion was not utilized during the initial growth of genetic modification, which caused widespread public distrust of the process. By creating a transparent development plan, that incorporates all points of view, nanotechnology will be more widely accepted by the general public, and may prove to be more easily developed. This rationale is supported throughout the book.
I would highly recommend Nanoethics to anyone interested in science and government policy. This book would even be enjoyable to people with little scientific background because it points out the possible future uses of technology that promise to change the human experience. Nanoethics is a well-balanced collection of independent essays organized in such a manner that the reader will become acquainted with the technology, and understand the possible benefits and risks. The readings also help provide a justification for regulation and the expected decreased rate of technological knowledge growth caused by that regulation. Throughout the book, little is done to combat the notion that nanotechnology will save every person on Earth that is suffering slightly, but that is typical with any new area of study. Nanoethics, one of the first books of its kind, will prove to be a good addition to the library of any science aficionado, and copied by others in the future.
