PERSPECTIVE                                                   

"Ethics of Nanotechnology"
by Akhilanand Pandey
Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad

Nano researchers must consider ethical issues part of their research per se. As specialists emerge, ethicists should be integrated into their research teams, especially in controversial areas of investigation. At this early stage of research in nanotechnology, we should be asking how we can foster an ethical culture and how we can train both ethicists and scientists. We need an infrastructure and educational initiatives not only to establish the next generation of Nano researchers, but also to establish appropriate ethical analysis. Now is the time to ask how we can ace the formation of ethical theory.

We stand at the beginning of a new technological surge, the production of a host of novel technologies known as nanotechnology. Nanotech devices, such as nano electromechanical resonators, are enabling scientists to discover laws of physics governing unique properties of matter at the mesoscale, according to a recent announcement. Are there any drawbacks to the use of these devices? What about possible drawbacks in the use of already commercialized nano applications in drug delivery or materials enhancement, for instance? What responsibilities do engineers and scientists have to anticipate these questions suggested by an ethical perspective on these new technologies? Advance promotion offers visions of revolutionary changes in almost every area of engineering and science. Descriptions of the marvels anticipated in technologies evoke counter visions of runaway disasters. To give sober, reflective consideration to ethical and social implications, we have to step back from these imagined visions and scenarios of profound transformations of the material world and of society. What is needed instead is patient examination of specific initiatives that particular groups of engineers and scientists, advance in specific settings in universities, government labs and facilities, and private firms. We have to focus not only on responsibilities of individuals and groups of engineers and scientists, but also on standards and policies of all the institutions in which research and development at the nano scale goes forward. To be examined as well are government policies of promotion and regulation. One aim of ethical investigation is to anticipate ethical issues likely to arise, in specific cases, so that they can be dealt with before they ripen into big problems. Ethical concerns include preventable harms, conflicts about justice and fairness, and issues concerning respect for persons—such as threats to privacy or absence of informed consent—likely to arise from specific nano initiatives. A second aim is to foster sensitivity to ethical issues and responsibilities of both technical and policy people at every level of decision making. A third aim is to involve the public by stimulating genuine interchange between members of the public and nano specialists. For that interchange, good information, common vocabulary and understandings, and shared criteria of reasonableness will have to be produced.

Challenges and Risks

Molecular Nanotechnology (MNT) will be a significant breakthrough, comparable perhaps to the Industrial Revolution—but compressed into a few years. This has the potential to disrupt many aspects of society and politics. The power of the technology may cause two competing nations to enter a disruptive and unstable arms race. Weapons and surveillance devices could be made small, cheap, powerful, and in abundance. Cheap manufacturing and duplication of designs could lead to economic upheaval. Overuse of inexpensive products could cause widespread environmental damage. Attempts to control these and other risks may lead to abusive restrictions, or create demand for a black market that would be very risky and almost impossible to stop; small nanofactories will be very easy to smuggle, and fully dangerous. There are numerous severe risks—including several different kinds of risk—that cannot all be prevented with the same approach. Simple, one-track solutions cannot work. The right answer is unlikely to evolve without careful planning.

* Molecular nanotechnology suddenly will create many risks

* Disruption of the basis of economy is a strong possibility. 

* MNT products may be vastly overpriced relative to their cost, perpetuating unnecessary poverty.

* Criminals and terrorists could make effective use of the technology

* Extreme solutions and abusive regulations may be attempted

* Society could be disrupted by the availability of new "immoral" products

* Nanotech weapons would be extremely powerful and could lead to a dangerously unstable arms race.

* Competing nanotech programs increase the danger.

LEVELS OF ETHICAL REFLECTION

We can consider the ethical issues associated with it more explicitly. Three levels of ethical analysis are required: (1) critical reflection on the vision and values of nanotechnology; (2) the formation of ethical theory; and (3) specific topical areas.

Critical Reflection on the Vision and Values of Nanotechnology

SOLUTION

The following are some ethical guidelines gleaned from both Foresight and our own philosophy and experience in this field:
* Nanotechnology's highest and best use should be to create a world of abundance where no one is lacking for their basic needs. Those needs include adequate food, safe water, a clean environment, housing, medical care, education, public safety, fair labor, unrestricted travel, artistic expression and freedom from fear and oppression.
* High priority must be given to the efficient and economical global distribution of the products and services created by nanotechnology.
* Military research and applications of nanotechnology must be limited to defense and security systems, and not for political purposes or aggression.
* Scientists developing and experimenting with nanotechnology must have a solid grounding in ecology and public safety.

Are suffering and despair humanity's fate? Not necessarily. We have within our grasp the technology to help bring about great progress in elevating humanity. Or we can use our evolving knowledge for destructive ends. We are already immersed in fiery debates on genetic engineering, cloning, nuclear physics and the science of warfare. Nanotechnology, with its staggering implications, will create a whole new set of ethical quandaries.