Nanoethics: Assessing the nanoscale from an ethical point of view

In this paper we raise and analyze three fundamental issues related to nanotechnology. First, although nanotechnology is frequently discussed, it is a difficult field to understand and define. We suggest at least a working characterization of the nature and organization of nanotechnology. Second, we examine the nature of nanoethics and motivate why it is a proper concern and possibly an emerging new field. Third, we elaborate several specific ways in which nanotechnology is likely to raise ethical issues. Some of these ethical issues will almost certainly confront us in the not too distant future and others, though not imminent, may well become serious issues some years from now.