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? Setting the Scientific Scene
? Setting the Ethical Scene
? Ethical issues in nanobiotechnologies
? Post: Nanobiotechnologies engaging with society

 

 

This briefing paper reviews ethical and social issues posed by nanobiotechnologies in the climate of greater public accountability of science and technology in Europe. It describes some scientific areas, and identifies gaps between current status and extravagant claims, and between scientific development, ethical assessment, and the awareness of publics.
Because many developments remain in the future, the role of different values and world  views is important for research goals, priorities and applications. Views about progress, quality of life, justice, the nature of human being affect priorities and ethical limits. We then look at the ethical and social implications of nanobiotechnology applications, including diagnostics and predictive medicine, targeted drug delivery, nano-enhanced food, risk, and human enhancement. The power and risks of intervention at extremely small scales, the convergence of fields and the complex data throw new light on existing ethical issues and
pose some new ones. The paper concludes by identifying an important need for appropriate two-way public engagement.