Title

Social and ethical dimensions of nanoscale science and engineering research

Authors

Authors

A. E. Sweeney

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Sci. Eng. Ethics

Keywords

nanotechnology; nanoscale science; engineering; biotechnology; ethics; researcher beliefs; science education; NANOTECHNOLOGY; TECHNOLOGY; EDUCATION; SCIENTISTS; DILEMMA; ISSUES; Ethics; Engineering, Multidisciplinary; History & Philosophy Of Science; Multidisciplinary Sciences; Philosophy

Abstract

Continuing advances in human ability to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular levels (i.e. nanoscale science and engineering) offer many previously unimagined possibilities for scientific discovery and technological development. Paralleling these advances in the various science and engineering subdisciplines is the increasing realization that a number of associated social, ethical, environmental, economic and legal dimensions also need to be explored An important component of such exploration entails the identification and analysis of the ways in which current and prospective researchers in these fields conceptualize these dimensions of their work. Within the context of a National Science Foundation funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in nanomaterials processing and characterization at the University of Central Florida (2002-2004), here I present for discussion (i) details of a "nanotechnology ethics" seminar series developed specifically for students participating in the program, and (H) an analysis of students' and participating research faculty's perspectives concerning social and ethical issues associated with nanotechnology research. I conclude with a brief discussion of implications presented by these issues for general scientific literacy and public science education policy.

Journal Title

Science and Engineering Ethics

Volume

12

Issue/Number

3

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Document Type

Review

Language

English

First Page

435

Last Page

464

WOS Identifier

WOS:000239947700005

ISSN

1353-3452

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