Page 138 - Nanotechnology an introduction

real features of reality, notably its microdiversity, open-endedness and continuous evolution, which the preponderance of engineering based on
fixed, uniform systems and science based on linearity and isolation has tended to eclipse.
It should not be forgotten that morals are essentially stationary, and dependent on the state of intellectual knowledge for their interpretation.
Therefore, if there is some agreement on a common set of ethical principles, nanotechnology as part of intellectual knowledge could at least
contribute to, and hopefully enhance, their interpretation and effectiveness.
12.9. Summary
It is fairly easy to list likely technical impacts of nanotechnology. The focus on information processing, energy and health implies that these are the
areas in which the greatest impact is foreseen. The most important impacts will, however, be on a broader plane, because nanotechnology
epitomizes a deeper, more rational view of the universe, including all the practical aspects of our environment. Nevertheless, it is far from certain
that humanity will take up the challenge of the new opportunities, especially for everyone to participate in shaping his or her own environment, as
much as a producer as a consumer. For this reason, those that hold this vision and see such a development as the only one offering a way forward
for humanity (by which I mean its very survival) have a special responsibility to promote the vision and its realization.

12.10 Further Reading
Altmann, J., Military Nanotechnology. (2006) Routledge, London.
Baumberg, J.; et al., Where is nano taking us?Nanotechnol. Percept. 3 (2007) 3–14.
Bernal, J.D., The Social Function of Science. (1939) Routledge & Kegan Paul, London.
Freitas Jr., R.A., Economic impact of the personal nanofactory, In: (Editor: Bostrom, N.; et al.) Nanotechnology Implications: More Essays (2006)
Collegium Basilea, Basel, pp. 111–126.
Gillett, S.L., Nanotechnology, resources, and pollution control, Nanotechnology 7 (1996) 177–182.
OECD
OECD
Ramsden, J.J., Applied Nanotechnology. (2009) Elsevier, Amsterdam.
Toth-Fejel, T.T., A few lesser implications of nanofactories, Nanotechnol. Percept. 5 (2009) 37–59.