Is Nanotechnology the Key to Happiness?

Nanotechnology has been called a great many things--the great leveler, the panacea to all that ails the world, the technology that will allow us to solve all of our problems from world hunger to pollution.

But this month, at nanotechnow.com, Tihamer Toth-Fejel makes the rather provocative claim that the "exponential nanomanufacturing capabilities of Productive Nanosystems will simply enable us" to fulfill human needs and desires (of all kinds" better. That's a pretty sweeping statement, if you ask me. And I'm pretty sure that I don't buy it. In fact, I'm pretty sure that if that were true it would come at such a radical cost or at least change to the world as we know it that we wouldn't recognize our world, or ourselves, in this "Productive Nanosystem Planet" Toth-Fejel describes.

But you don't have to take my word for it. You can read his argument yourself and decide whether you think nanotechnology is the key to fulfilling all human desires, wealth and happiness. I just wouldn't bet the bank (or mine), or my future's happiness, on it.

Summer Johnson, PhD

contribute a comment

Your contributions to the conversation are very much appreciated. We do have a few simple guidelines, though. Be civil. Stay on topic. We reserve the right to remove comments that violate the aforementioned guidelines. One more thing: comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for your comment to be posted. Thanks.

what is this?

A 'Nature Top 50' science blog by the editors, staff and friends of The American Journal of Bioethics. Science writes: "To follow the latest twists in ... science stories with social impact, dive into this Web log"

The original story behind this blog

What people are saying about blog.bioethics.net

recently on blog.bioethics.net

Caplan: New Mammogram Recommendations Accurate, but Not Right

While the data may support pushing back the timeline for routine mammograms from age 40 to 50 for women, Arthur Caplan questions the decision in... (more)

Give Me ObamaCare and Give Me Your So-Called "Death Panels." It's Surely Better Than What We Have Now.

The conservative blog, mercatornet.com, invited yours truly to be part of a debate on health reform, the controversy over so called "death panels", and my... (more)

Caplan: Swine Flu Response Isn't Even Worth Sneezing At

For all the planning, prioritizing, and head scratching done by state and federal governments for the coming H1N1 flu crisis this fall, we still have... (more)

The November Issue of AJOB Is Now Online!

With H1N1 and flu vaccines on everyone's minds, the November issue of The American Journal of Bioethics couldn't be more timely. What do people think... (more)

Q & A on What is a Blockbuster Anti-Wrinkle Cream Worth, Morally Speaking
Or How Many Fetuses Does It Take To Make a Great Cosmeceutical

Question: What is it worth to produce a blockbuster anti-wrinkle cream? Hypothetical Answer from Cosmeceutical Company: A single skin biopsy of a 14-week old voluntarily... (more)

this blog's feed

  • Subscribe
    • XML
    • Google Reader or Homepage
    • Add to My Yahoo!
    • Subscribe with Bloglines
    • Subscribe in NewsGator Online
    • Add to My AOL
    • Convert RSS to PDF
    • Add to Technorati Favorites!
    • Add to your phone
    • Get RSS Buttons

info

archives

tags