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Dust of Wonder, Dust of Doom: A Landscape of Nanotechnology, Nanoethics, and Sustainable Development

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Global Bioethics: The Impact of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee

Part of the book series: Advancing Global Bioethics ((AGBIO,volume 5))

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a relatively recent and very promising area of inquiry devoted to the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scales. Its wide reach ensures extensive influence over a vast range of human activities and has generated serious concerns over the ethical, economic, environmental, legal, and social issues (E3LSI) related to its development and applications, particularly in terms of the emergence of a “nano-divide” between high-income countries and the developing world. In this chapter, we review the advances in nanotechnology most likely to benefit low- and middle-income countries. Then, we examine the most relevant and realistic E3LS challenges related to nanotechnology (NE3LS). Next, we propose potential approaches to address these challenges, based upon foundations of equity, justice, non-discrimination, and non-stigmatization. Finally, we highlight the leading role of UNESCO in the global discussion of NE3LS issues and we suggest future pathways by means of which UNESCO’s involvement in nanotechnology can contribute to the well-being of human populations worldwide.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2007/07042412451001.htm

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Fabio Salamanca-Buentello

  2. Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Abdallah S. Daar

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  1. Fabio Salamanca-Buentello
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  2. Abdallah S. Daar
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Correspondence to Abdallah S. Daar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Alireza Bagheri

  2. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA

    Jonathan D. Moreno

  3. Faculty of Humanities and Philosophy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy

    Stefano Semplici

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Salamanca-Buentello, F., Daar, A.S. (2016). Dust of Wonder, Dust of Doom: A Landscape of Nanotechnology, Nanoethics, and Sustainable Development. In: Bagheri, A., Moreno, J., Semplici, S. (eds) Global Bioethics: The Impact of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee. Advancing Global Bioethics, vol 5. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22650-7_10

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