The Ambivalence of Promising Technology |
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Authors: | Clare Shelley-Egan |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Science, Technology and Policy Studies, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Issues of responsibility in the world of nanotechnology are becoming explicit with the emergence of a discourse on ‘responsible
development’ of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Much of this discourse centres on the ambivalences of nanotechnology and
of promising technology in general. Actors must find means of dealing with these ambivalences. Actors’ actions and responses
to ambivalence are shaped by their position and context, along with strategic games they are involved in, together with other
actors. A number of interviews were conducted with industrial actors with the aim of uncovering their ethical stances towards
responsible development of nanotechnology. The data shows that standard repertoires of justification of nanotechnological
development were used. Thus, the industrial actors fell back on their position and associated responsibilities. Such responses
reinforce a division of moral labour in which industrial actors and scientists can focus on the progress of science and technology,
while other actors, such as NGOs, are expected to take care of broader considerations, such as ethical and social issues. |
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