Skip to main content
Erschienen in: NanoEthics 3/2013

01.12.2013 | Original Paper

Would You Mind, If We Record This? Perceptions on Regulation and Responsibility among Indian Nanoscientists

verfasst von: Subhasis Sahoo

Erschienen in: NanoEthics | Ausgabe 3/2013

Einloggen

Aktivieren Sie unsere intelligente Suche um passende Fachinhalte oder Patente zu finden.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

Looking at our knowledge of the risks associated with nanotechnology, one wonders to what degree should its products and applications be regulated? Do we need any governing body to regulate nanotechnology research and development? Do individuals have a right to know to make informed decisions through labelling mechanism? The question of regulation and responsibility in the interaction between science, technology and society is one of the most pressing issues. Risks and regulations regarding nanoscience and nanotechnology are mostly debated amongst policy-makers and not amongst the nanoscientists, who actually produce the new science. Thus, the paper makes an attempt to contribute significantly to an increased body of knowledge regarding how scientists think and talk about science. Little has been documented about perceptions of nanotechnology regulation and responsibility in developing countries. Given the importance of perceptions in the genetically-modified foods debate, the way nanotechnology is perceived holds serious repercussions for the framing of its ethical, legal and social implications. Through a field-survey that records the opinions of leading Indian nanoscientists, the paper examines scientists' perceptions about nanotech-regulation. Such discussion is imperative to address technological risks and uncertainties. The paper further explores whether scientists have different views on what responsibility amounts to and under what conditions one is responsible. Though the study has considered Indian nanoscientists due to access issues, the research questions raised and addressed in this study are universal in nature.

Sie haben noch keine Lizenz? Dann Informieren Sie sich jetzt über unsere Produkte:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 340 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Versicherung + Risiko




Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Fußnoten
1
The singular “nanotechnology” is used in this paper to refer to the entire scientific and technological complex that comprises different nanotechnologies than plural “nanotechnologies”.
 
2
Throughout the paper I have deliberately used the expression ‘nanoscience and nanotechnology’ to capture the complexity of this technoscience [23, 32] speciality.
 
3
Please see Song et al. [49].
 
4
The concept of responsibility stretches back to its emergence in the 19th century and developing into the 20th century notions of political and social responsibility such as encountered in the environmental movement beginning with Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring [7]. This might be one way to characterize the term in its intellectual origins, even if it does not fully explain the emergence of the concept of in nanotechnology today, much less corporate social responsibility.
 
5
India was the third most attractive location for future investments in R&D behind the United States ([53]: 22–26). The Economist described India and China as ‘high-tech hopefuls’ in a special report on technology in the two countries in its November 2007 issue.
 
6
For more details see the NanoMission website: www.​nanomission.​gov.​in
 
7
The data was collected as part of TERI’s larger research project on capability, governance and nanotechnology developments: a focus on India (2008–10), which was funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IDRC and TERI.
 
8
Experts, are defined as “…those who can provide relevant input to the nanotechnology development process, have the highest authority possible and are committed and interested”.
 
9
Indian Institute of Technology (In short, IIT) has been modelled on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. IITs are the premier institutes of engineering and science in the country. They are the product of post-colonial industrial development in India.
 
10
In India, DST sanctions the grant for the establishment of the centre/unit on nanoscience and nanotechnology. Further details please see http://​www.​nanomission.​gov.​in/​
 
11
Each expert’s responses in this research are views held by themselves and do not necessarily represent those of the organizations with whom it is noted that they were affiliated. Where mentioned, each expert’s affiliation has been used to add credibility to their statements. Stated affiliations are those held at the time of interview.
 
12
For details please see Invernizzi & Foladori [24].
 
13
The archetype of good scientific behaviour is reflected in Merton’s [37] ethos of science, known under the acronym CUDOS. Merton stated that scientists should not only be involved in the production of new knowledge; scientists are also committed to the critical towards scientific knowledge claims raised by their colleagues, and are obliged to test their colleagues’ results.
 
Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat Agassi J (1998) Science real and ideal: Popper and the dogmatic scientist. Protosociology 12:297–304 Agassi J (1998) Science real and ideal: Popper and the dogmatic scientist. Protosociology 12:297–304
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Barnett J, Carr A, Clift R (2007) Going public: risk, trust and public understandings of nanotechnology. In: Hunt G, Mehta MD (eds) Nanotechnology: risk, ethics and law. Earthscan, London, pp 196–212 Barnett J, Carr A, Clift R (2007) Going public: risk, trust and public understandings of nanotechnology. In: Hunt G, Mehta MD (eds) Nanotechnology: risk, ethics and law. Earthscan, London, pp 196–212
3.
Zurück zum Zitat Barker T, Lesnick M, Mealy T, Raimond R, Walker S, Rajeski D, Timberlake L (2005) Nanotechnology and the poor: opportunities and risks: Closing the gaps within and between sectors of society. Washington D.C.: Meridian Institute, pp 23 Barker T, Lesnick M, Mealy T, Raimond R, Walker S, Rajeski D, Timberlake L (2005) Nanotechnology and the poor: opportunities and risks: Closing the gaps within and between sectors of society. Washington D.C.: Meridian Institute, pp 23
4.
Zurück zum Zitat Bauer M (2002) Arenas, platforms, and the biotechnology movement. Sci Commun 24(2):144–161CrossRef Bauer M (2002) Arenas, platforms, and the biotechnology movement. Sci Commun 24(2):144–161CrossRef
5.
Zurück zum Zitat Beck U (1995) Ecological politics in an age of risk. Polity Press, Cambridge Beck U (1995) Ecological politics in an age of risk. Polity Press, Cambridge
6.
Zurück zum Zitat Burgi BR, Pradeep T (2006) Social implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology in developing countries. Curr Sci 90(5):645–658 Burgi BR, Pradeep T (2006) Social implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology in developing countries. Curr Sci 90(5):645–658
7.
Zurück zum Zitat Carson R (1962) Silent spring. Mariner Books, New York Carson R (1962) Silent spring. Mariner Books, New York
8.
Zurück zum Zitat Choi K (2003) Ethical Issues of Nanotechnology Development in the Asia-Pacific Region. In Regional Meeting on Ethics of Science and Technology. Bangkok: UNESCO Regional Unit for Social and Human Sciences in Asia and Pacific, pp 327–376 Choi K (2003) Ethical Issues of Nanotechnology Development in the Asia-Pacific Region. In Regional Meeting on Ethics of Science and Technology. Bangkok: UNESCO Regional Unit for Social and Human Sciences in Asia and Pacific, pp 327–376
9.
Zurück zum Zitat De Marchi B, Ravetz JR (1999) Risk management and governance: a post-normal science approach’. Futures 31:743–757CrossRef De Marchi B, Ravetz JR (1999) Risk management and governance: a post-normal science approach’. Futures 31:743–757CrossRef
12.
Zurück zum Zitat Drexler KE (1986) Engines of creation. Anchor, New York Drexler KE (1986) Engines of creation. Anchor, New York
13.
Zurück zum Zitat Duell CH (1999) Technological transformation: the increase in power and complexity is coming just as the ‘raw materials’ are eroding. Dev Dialogue 1–2:25–73 Duell CH (1999) Technological transformation: the increase in power and complexity is coming just as the ‘raw materials’ are eroding. Dev Dialogue 1–2:25–73
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Dupas C, Houdy P, Lahmani M (2004) Nanoscience: nanotechnology and nanophysics. Springer, Berlin Dupas C, Houdy P, Lahmani M (2004) Nanoscience: nanotechnology and nanophysics. Springer, Berlin
16.
Zurück zum Zitat Falkner R (2008) Nanotechnology dangers: who’s afraid of nanotechnology? World Today 64(6):15–17 Falkner R (2008) Nanotechnology dangers: who’s afraid of nanotechnology? World Today 64(6):15–17
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Ferrari A (2008) Is it all about human nature? Ethical challenges of converging technologies beyond a polarized debate. Innov Eur J Soc Sci Res 21(1):1–24CrossRef Ferrari A (2008) Is it all about human nature? Ethical challenges of converging technologies beyond a polarized debate. Innov Eur J Soc Sci Res 21(1):1–24CrossRef
18.
Zurück zum Zitat Fiorino DJ (1990) Citizen participation and environmental risk: a survey of institutional mechanisms. Sci Technol Hum Values 15(2):226–243CrossRef Fiorino DJ (1990) Citizen participation and environmental risk: a survey of institutional mechanisms. Sci Technol Hum Values 15(2):226–243CrossRef
19.
Zurück zum Zitat Functowicz S, Ravetz JR (1990) Uncertainty and quality in science for policy. Kluwer, DordrechtCrossRef Functowicz S, Ravetz JR (1990) Uncertainty and quality in science for policy. Kluwer, DordrechtCrossRef
20.
Zurück zum Zitat Functowicz S, Ravetz JR (1992) Three types of risk assessment and the emergence of post-normal science. In: Krimsky S, Golding D (eds) Social theories of risk. Prager, Westport, pp 251–273 Functowicz S, Ravetz JR (1992) Three types of risk assessment and the emergence of post-normal science. In: Krimsky S, Golding D (eds) Social theories of risk. Prager, Westport, pp 251–273
21.
Zurück zum Zitat Functowicz S, Ravetz JR (1993) Science for a post-normal age. Futures 25(7):739–755CrossRef Functowicz S, Ravetz JR (1993) Science for a post-normal age. Futures 25(7):739–755CrossRef
22.
Zurück zum Zitat Greenemeier L (2008) Study says carbon nanotubes as dangerous as asbestos. Scientific American, May 20 Greenemeier L (2008) Study says carbon nanotubes as dangerous as asbestos. Scientific American, May 20
23.
Zurück zum Zitat Haraway D (1997) Modest_Witness@Second-Millenium. Routledge, New York Haraway D (1997) Modest_Witness@Second-Millenium. Routledge, New York
24.
Zurück zum Zitat Invernizzi N, Foladori G (2005) Nanotechnology and the developing world: will nanotechnology overcome poverty or widen disparities? Nanotechnol Law Bus J 2(3):101–110 Invernizzi N, Foladori G (2005) Nanotechnology and the developing world: will nanotechnology overcome poverty or widen disparities? Nanotechnol Law Bus J 2(3):101–110
25.
Zurück zum Zitat Johnson D (2007) Ethics and technology ‘in the making’: an essay on the challenges of nanoethics. NanoEthics 1:21–30CrossRef Johnson D (2007) Ethics and technology ‘in the making’: an essay on the challenges of nanoethics. NanoEthics 1:21–30CrossRef
26.
Zurück zum Zitat Jonas H (1984) The imperative of responsibility. In: Search of an ethics for the technological change. University of Chicago Press, Chicago Jonas H (1984) The imperative of responsibility. In: Search of an ethics for the technological change. University of Chicago Press, Chicago
27.
Zurück zum Zitat Joy B (2000) Why the future doesn’t need us. Wired 8(4) Joy B (2000) Why the future doesn’t need us. Wired 8(4)
28.
Zurück zum Zitat Juman C, Yee-Chong L (2005) Innovation: Applying knowledge in development. London: UN Millennium Project. UN Millennium Project Task Force on Science, Technology, and Innovation Juman C, Yee-Chong L (2005) Innovation: Applying knowledge in development. London: UN Millennium Project. UN Millennium Project Task Force on Science, Technology, and Innovation
29.
Zurück zum Zitat Kearnes M, Grove-White R, Macnaughten P, Wilsdon J, Wynee B (2006) From bio to nano: learning lessons from the UK agricultural biotechnology controversy. Sci Cult 15(4):291–307CrossRef Kearnes M, Grove-White R, Macnaughten P, Wilsdon J, Wynee B (2006) From bio to nano: learning lessons from the UK agricultural biotechnology controversy. Sci Cult 15(4):291–307CrossRef
30.
Zurück zum Zitat Kuhn T (1962) Structure of scientific revolutions. University of Chicago Press, Chicago Kuhn T (1962) Structure of scientific revolutions. University of Chicago Press, Chicago
31.
Zurück zum Zitat Laird FN (1993) Participatory analysis, democracy, and technological decision making. Sci Technol Hum Values 18(3):341–361CrossRef Laird FN (1993) Participatory analysis, democracy, and technological decision making. Sci Technol Hum Values 18(3):341–361CrossRef
32.
Zurück zum Zitat Latour B (1987) Science in action: how to follow scientists and engineers through society. Harvard University Press, USA Latour B (1987) Science in action: how to follow scientists and engineers through society. Harvard University Press, USA
33.
Zurück zum Zitat Lederman LM (1999) The responsibility of the scientist. New York Times, p. A15, July 24 Lederman LM (1999) The responsibility of the scientist. New York Times, p. A15, July 24
35.
Zurück zum Zitat McCarthy E, Kelty C (2010) Responsibility and nanotechnology. Soc Stud Sci 40(3):405–432CrossRef McCarthy E, Kelty C (2010) Responsibility and nanotechnology. Soc Stud Sci 40(3):405–432CrossRef
36.
Zurück zum Zitat Mehta MD (2002) Nanoscience and nanotechnology: assessing the nature of innovation in these fields. Bull Sci Technol Soc 22(4):269–273 Mehta MD (2002) Nanoscience and nanotechnology: assessing the nature of innovation in these fields. Bull Sci Technol Soc 22(4):269–273
37.
Zurück zum Zitat Merton RK (1968) Science and democratic social structure, in social theory and social structure. The Free Press, New York. The article was first published in 1942 Merton RK (1968) Science and democratic social structure, in social theory and social structure. The Free Press, New York. The article was first published in 1942
38.
Zurück zum Zitat Neufeld V, MacLeod S, Tugwell, P, Zakus D, Zarowsky, C (2001) The rich poor gap in global health research: challenges for Canada. Can Med Assoc J 164(8). Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://www.cmaj.ca/ Neufeld V, MacLeod S, Tugwell, P, Zakus D, Zarowsky, C (2001) The rich poor gap in global health research: challenges for Canada. Can Med Assoc J 164(8). Retrieved May 20, 2012, from http://​www.​cmaj.​ca/​
39.
Zurück zum Zitat Osborne D, Gaebler T (1993) Reinventing government: how the entrepreneurial spirit is transforming the public sector. Penguin, New York Osborne D, Gaebler T (1993) Reinventing government: how the entrepreneurial spirit is transforming the public sector. Penguin, New York
40.
Zurück zum Zitat Pinter GG, Pinter V (1998) From epistemology to rational science policy: Popper vs Kuhn. Perspect Biol Med 41(2):291–298 Pinter GG, Pinter V (1998) From epistemology to rational science policy: Popper vs Kuhn. Perspect Biol Med 41(2):291–298
41.
Zurück zum Zitat Popper K (1970) Normal science and its dangers. In: Lakatos I, Musgrave A (eds) Criticism and the growth of knowledge. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp 51–58 Popper K (1970) Normal science and its dangers. In: Lakatos I, Musgrave A (eds) Criticism and the growth of knowledge. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp 51–58
42.
Zurück zum Zitat Roco MC (2005) Environmental responsible development of nanotechnology. Environ Sci Tech 39(5):106A–112ACrossRef Roco MC (2005) Environmental responsible development of nanotechnology. Environ Sci Tech 39(5):106A–112ACrossRef
43.
Zurück zum Zitat Sahai S (2003) The Bt cotton story: the ethics of science and its reportage. Curr Sci 84(8): 1–2 Sahai S (2003) The Bt cotton story: the ethics of science and its reportage. Curr Sci 84(8): 1–2
45.
Zurück zum Zitat Scheufele DA, Shirley SH, Corley EA (2011) Value predispositions, mass media, and attitudes toward nanotechnology: the interplay of public and experts. Sci Commun 33(2):167–200CrossRef Scheufele DA, Shirley SH, Corley EA (2011) Value predispositions, mass media, and attitudes toward nanotechnology: the interplay of public and experts. Sci Commun 33(2):167–200CrossRef
46.
Zurück zum Zitat Scoones I (2003) Regulatory manoeuvres: the Bt cotton controversy in India. Working Paper, 197, August, England: Institute of Development Studies Scoones I (2003) Regulatory manoeuvres: the Bt cotton controversy in India. Working Paper, 197, August, England: Institute of Development Studies
47.
Zurück zum Zitat Shelley-Egan C (2010) The ambivalence of promising technology. NanoEthics 4(2):183–189CrossRef Shelley-Egan C (2010) The ambivalence of promising technology. NanoEthics 4(2):183–189CrossRef
48.
Zurück zum Zitat Shiva V (1999) Biopiracy: the plunder of nature and knowledge. South End Press, Cambridge Shiva V (1999) Biopiracy: the plunder of nature and knowledge. South End Press, Cambridge
49.
Zurück zum Zitat Song Y et al (2009) Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma. Eur Respir J 34:559–567CrossRef Song Y et al (2009) Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma. Eur Respir J 34:559–567CrossRef
50.
Zurück zum Zitat Taverne D (2006) The march of unreason. Oxford University Press, Oxford Taverne D (2006) The march of unreason. Oxford University Press, Oxford
51.
Zurück zum Zitat The Project on Emerging Technologies, 22 September, 2010 The Project on Emerging Technologies, 22 September, 2010
52.
Zurück zum Zitat Tyshenko MG, Krewski D (2008) A risk management framework for the regulation of nanomaterials. Int J Nanotechnol 5(1):143–160CrossRef Tyshenko MG, Krewski D (2008) A risk management framework for the regulation of nanomaterials. Int J Nanotechnol 5(1):143–160CrossRef
53.
Zurück zum Zitat UNCTAD (2005) World investment report 2005: transnational corporations and the internationalization of R&D. United Nations Conference of Trade and Development, New York (downloadable from<www.unctad.org>) UNCTAD (2005) World investment report 2005: transnational corporations and the internationalization of R&D. United Nations Conference of Trade and Development, New York (downloadable from<www.​unctad.​org>)
54.
Zurück zum Zitat Von Wright GH (1963) Norm and action: a logical enquiry. Routledge and Kegan Paul, London Von Wright GH (1963) Norm and action: a logical enquiry. Routledge and Kegan Paul, London
55.
Zurück zum Zitat Weckert J (2002) Lilliputian computer ethics. Metaphilosophy, Oxford, Blackwell, 33(3):366–375 Weckert J (2002) Lilliputian computer ethics. Metaphilosophy, Oxford, Blackwell, 33(3):366–375
56.
Zurück zum Zitat Weinberg A (1978) The obligations of citizenship in the Republic of Science. Minerva 16:1–3CrossRef Weinberg A (1978) The obligations of citizenship in the Republic of Science. Minerva 16:1–3CrossRef
57.
Zurück zum Zitat Wolfson JR (2003) Social and ethical issues in nanotechnology: lessons from biotechnology and other high technologies. Biotechnol Law Rep 22(4):376–396CrossRef Wolfson JR (2003) Social and ethical issues in nanotechnology: lessons from biotechnology and other high technologies. Biotechnol Law Rep 22(4):376–396CrossRef
58.
Zurück zum Zitat Ziman J (1996) Is science losing its objectivity? Nature 382:751–754CrossRef Ziman J (1996) Is science losing its objectivity? Nature 382:751–754CrossRef
Metadaten
Titel
Would You Mind, If We Record This? Perceptions on Regulation and Responsibility among Indian Nanoscientists
verfasst von
Subhasis Sahoo
Publikationsdatum
01.12.2013
Verlag
Springer Netherlands
Erschienen in
NanoEthics / Ausgabe 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1871-4757
Elektronische ISSN: 1871-4765
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11569-013-0182-6

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 3/2013

NanoEthics 3/2013 Zur Ausgabe