Nanotechnology: Assessment and Perspectives: 27 (Ethics of Science and Technology Assessment, 27) - Hardcover

Brune, Harald; Ernst, Holger; Grunwald, Armin; Grünwald, Werner; Hofmann, Heinrich; Krug, Harald; Janich, Peter; Mayor, Marcel; Rathgeber, Wolfgang; Schmid, Günter; Simon, Ulrich; Vogel, Viola; Wyrwa, Daniel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 354032819X ISBN 13: 9783540328193

Publisher: Springer, 2006

Synopsis

The study tackles the subject in a new and unique way: Due to the fact that the borders between classical academic disciplines disappear at the nanoscale, a truly interdisciplinary approach is chosen. A functional definition of nanotechnology is developed by the authors as basis for the further sections of the study. The most important results enable recommendations with respect to scientific progress, industrial relevance, economic potential, educational needs, potential adverse health effects and philosophical aspects of nanotechnology. The book addresses the relevant decision levels, media, and academia.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Nanotechnology. Assessment and Perspectives" tackles the subject of Nanotechnology in a new and unique way. Accounting for the fact that the differences between classical academic disciplines disappear at the nanoscale, a truly interdisciplinary approach is chosen. Authors from areas like chemistry, physics, biology and toxicology as well as from economics, philosophy and the industrial sector treat the matter in a unified manner, not only giving isolated statements within their own realm, but also linking them to the other experts’ contributions.

A new definition of Nanotechnology by the authors is used as an anchor for the various sections of the book. This leads to an integrated text reflecting the multidimensional challenges occurring around Nanotechnology. The most important results of the study are transferred into acting recommendations concerning scientific progress, industrial relevance, economic potential, educational needs, potential adverse health effects and philosophical aspects of Nanotechnology.

The book is addressing decision makers in relevant sectors of society like politics, research and industry. It will also be of high value to media representatives, academic staff and students willing to look beyond the borders of their very subjects as well as to the interested public.

Synopsis:

Since nanotechnology is considered key for the 21st century, its promises have been assessed by various scientific communities. By meeting at the nanoscale, various disciplines, from physics via chemistry to biology, from engineering to medicine contribute synergetically to the newly created knowledge base and the resulting technological advances. Considering that large societal sectors will be impacted, the unique aspect of our 2-year study was to assess nanotechnology from various interrelated perspectives: scientific progress, industrial relevance, economic potential, educational needs, potential adverse health effects, and philosophical aspects. The goal of this study was to derive integrated recommendations which consider the large range of societal implications reflecting the different views in an integrative manner. The study attempts to link previously isolated statements, bundling the various concepts and giving unified recommendations to decision makers in relevant society sectors as politics, economy and research. Special attention was given to the European situation with respect to commercial consequences, an aspect that turned out to have serious consequences.

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 354032819X
• ISBN 13: 9783540328193
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 518