Home > News > Draconian measures for molecular manufacturing?
July 8th, 2009
Draconian measures for molecular manufacturing?
Abstract:
If molecular manufacturing has to be controlled, how much of society needs to be controlled to accomplish that?
A few days ago, I wrote an article implying that liberty in the U.S. may be at risk due to an ongoing state of near-war. I quoted Aldous Huxley: "Permanent crisis justifies permanent control of everybody and everything by the agencies of the central government."
A commenter asked: "I wonder, however. Considering the rather draconian measures you believe would be required to control nanotechnology, do you think this is a bad thing?"
First, let me clarify (for any new readers) that "nanotechnology" here is used to mean molecular manufacturing—its original meaning—not all the newer stuff that has been grafted onto the word, such as nanoparticles. No one is suggesting that nanoparticles might need draconian control measures—though some kinds of nanoparticles might need a bit more control than they're currently getting.
So, molecular manufacturing: tiny nanotech machines, made out of precisely designed molecules, that can rapidly build more machines of equivalent precision and complexity. A manufacturing revolution: general-purpose manufacturing, using non-scarce equipment, of inexpensive and highly advanced products. And the manufacturing systems could be small, easily concealed, easily duplicated—very difficult to control, if an unrestricted system was ever in civilian hands.
Pretty revolutionary—which means disruptive—which means potentially destructive. So, does it require draconian control measures?
Source:
Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies
Bookmark:
| Related News Press |
News and information
Beyond wires: Bubble technology powers next-generation electronics:New laser-based bubble printing technique creates ultra-flexible liquid metal circuits November 8th, 2024
Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest: Rainfall induces bursts of natural nanoparticles that can form clouds and further precipitation over the Amazon rainforest November 8th, 2024
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Ethics
Artificial Intelligence Centered Cancer Nanomedicine: Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Bioethics June 3rd, 2022
Iran to hold intl. school on application of nanomaterials in medicine September 20th, 2016
Synthetic biology needs robust safety mechanisms before real world application: Ethics and technology hold the key to the success of synthetic biology September 17th, 2015
March 2016; 6th Int'l Conference on Nanostructures in Iran July 29th, 2015
Preparing for Nano
Disruptive by Design: Nano Now February 1st, 2019
How nanoscience will improve our health and lives in the coming years: Targeted medicine deliveries and increased energy efficiency are just two of many ways October 26th, 2016
Searching for a nanotech self-organizing principle May 1st, 2016
Possible Futures
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Exosomes: A potential biomarker and therapeutic target in diabetic cardiomyopathy November 8th, 2024
Turning up the signal November 8th, 2024
Nanofibrous metal oxide semiconductor for sensory face November 8th, 2024
Molecular Machines
First electric nanomotor made from DNA material: Synthetic rotary motors at the nanoscale perform mechanical work July 22nd, 2022
Nanotech scientists create world's smallest origami bird March 17th, 2021
Giant nanomachine aids the immune system: Theoretical chemistry August 28th, 2020
Molecular Nanotechnology
Quantum pumping in molecular junctions August 16th, 2024
Scientists push the boundaries of manipulating light at the submicroscopic level March 3rd, 2023
First electric nanomotor made from DNA material: Synthetic rotary motors at the nanoscale perform mechanical work July 22nd, 2022
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||