Social and ethical dimensions of nanoscale science and engineering research

    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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