Ethics and Nanotechnology

In this book, Ineke Malsch examines how ethically sound governance of nanotechnology may be possible in the current global world order. This question is inspired by the main issue on the agenda of national and international policy makers in the last decade: How to avoid making the same mistake with nanotechnology as with genetically modified food in Europe? A wide range of debates and projects have been undertaken to achieve this. Ineke Malsch has been involved in these discussions since 1995. The book is an attempt at presenting the debate in all its wide ranging facets in different parts of the world, emphasising differences and similarities between countries and at international level. Three cases are investigated from a philosophical and ethical perspective: nanotechnology and security, sustainable development of nanotechnology and implications of nanotechnology for human nature. Ineke Malsch makes two recommendations for governing ethically sound development of nanotechnology in a multistakeholder global order. Nanotechnology should contribute to positive common values: Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation. And relevant positive initiatives should be coordinated better.