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The Ambivalence of Promising Technology
1Department of Science, Technology and Policy Studies, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
Nanoethics
|September 14, 2010
Summary
Industrial actors in nanotechnology often use standard justifications for development, reinforcing a moral division of labor. This allows them to focus on scientific progress while others address ethical concerns.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Science and Technology Studies
Background:
- The discourse on 'responsible development' of nanoscience and nanotechnologies is growing.
- This discourse often focuses on the inherent ambivalences of nanotechnology and other promising technologies.
- Actors involved must develop strategies to manage these ambivalences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ethical stances of industrial actors regarding the responsible development of nanotechnology.
- To understand how actors' positions and contexts shape their responses to technological ambivalence.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with industrial actors in the nanotechnology sector.
- Analysis focused on identifying ethical stances and justification repertoires related to responsible development.
Main Results:
- Industrial actors predominantly employed standard justifications for nanotechnological advancement.
- These justifications often relied on their defined roles and responsibilities within the industry.
- A division of moral labor emerged, with industry focusing on progress and external actors on broader ethical/social issues.
Conclusions:
- Industrial actors' approaches to responsible nanotechnology development tend to reinforce existing divisions of labor.
- This pattern allows scientists and industry to prioritize technological advancement, deferring ethical considerations to other stakeholders like NGOs.
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