Nanotechnology: Regulation and Public Discourse

Nanoscience and nanotechnology have the potential to bring about beneficial applications in medicine, cosmetics, and environmental remediation, but there is uncertainty about whether they may have negative side effects on human health and the environment. This edited volume explores the normative approaches, societal practices, and legal mechanisms that have emerged in the nano-field to assess and govern nanomaterials. It also presents a range of evaluative approaches that can help societal actors shape the debate about nanomaterials.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Nanoscience and nanotechnology have been hailed as having the potential to bring about numerous beneficial applications in fields such as medicine, cosmetics, and environmental remediation. However, there remains a debate about whether engineered nanomaterials can solely be considered "good" without any potential negative side effects on human health and the environment. To address this uncertainty, academic and political initiatives have been launched to establish norms and practices for assessing and governing nanomaterials.

This edited volume delves into the normative approaches, societal practices, and legal mechanisms that have emerged in the nano-field over the past two decades. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including ethics, ecology, law, social and political sciences. The chapters in this book explore these normative frameworks and provide insights into the various evaluative approaches that can assist societal actors in actively shaping and contributing to the ongoing debate about nanomaterials.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by nanomaterials. The chapters highlight the importance of bringing together experts from different fields to develop comprehensive and balanced assessments of nanomaterials. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all relevant aspects of risk and benefit are considered, and that potential solutions are developed that are socially and environmentally sustainable.

Another important aspect of the book is the consideration of ethical and social dimensions of nanomaterials. The chapters discuss the ethical principles that should guide the development and use of nanomaterials, as well as the societal implications of their use. They explore the potential risks and benefits of nanomaterials, as well as the ways in which they can be used to promote social justice and equity.

The book also provides insights into the legal mechanisms that have been developed to regulate nanomaterials. It discusses the various regulatory frameworks that have been put in place at national, regional, and international levels, and the challenges that have been encountered in their implementation. The chapters also explore the role of stakeholders, including industry, government, and civil society, in shaping the regulatory landscape and ensuring that nanomaterials are used responsibly.

In conclusion, this edited volume offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the normative approaches, societal practices, and legal mechanisms that have emerged in the nano-field. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the development and use of nanomaterials, and highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations in shaping the future of this rapidly evolving technology.

Weight: 417g
Dimension: 220 x 154 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538147900