The Need For A New Nano Ethic

Ronald Sandler, Lead PI, and Director of the Northeastern University Ethics Institute

This project area evaluates applications of nanotechnology on their likelihood to promote or compromise ethical and environmental values as governmental agencies and private sector firms seek to promote the development of nanotechnology in its multiple forms. Co-PI Sandler has branched out beyond nanotechnology to include inquiries into synthetic genomics and other emerging technologies. In part this expanded focus reflects Sandler’s perception that “nano” by itself is inadequate as an organizing concept. That is, “nano” by itself is not a useful category for ethical, social, and regulatory evaluation and response because of the diversity of nanotechnology (everything from electronics to materials to drugs and devices to food, etc.) and because the concept of “nano” does not communicate anything about social, ethical, and regulatory challenges and opportunities.

Selected Publications:

[1]  J. Basl and R. Sandler, eds. 2012. The Ethics of Engineering Biological Systems: From the Nanoscale to the Global Scale. Lexington Books, in press.

[2]  R. Sandler, ed. Ethics and Emerging Technologies (Palgrave Macmillan), in press.

[3]    R. Sandler and L. Simon. 2012. “The Value of Artefactual Organisms,” Environmental Values, v. 21, no 1, February: 43-61. doi: 10.3197/096327112X13225063227989.

[4]    R. Sandler. 2008. “Nanotechnology and Human Flourishing: Toward a Framework for Assessing Human Enhancements,” in Jotterand, F., ed., Nanotechnology: Framing the Field (Springer).

[5]    R. Sandler. 2007. “Nanotechnology and Social Context,” Bulletin of Science, Technology, and Society 27(6), pp. 446-54.