Unveiling philosophy and social aspects of nanotechnology: A short review

TL;DR

This review explores the philosophical, social, ethical, and legal aspects of nanotechnology to provide nanotechnologists with a broader understanding beyond technical knowledge.

Contribution

It offers an interdisciplinary overview of nanotechnology's history, definitions, ethics, and social implications, filling a gap in traditional nanotechnology education.

Findings

Highlights the importance of philosophy and social sciences in nanotechnology

Provides insights into ethical and legal considerations in nanotech development

Encourages interdisciplinary research and education in nanotechnology

Abstract

Philosophy has nurtured fundamental science by asking the right questions. This scientific growth has fuelled research in various domains and introduced diverse disciplines. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary domain with numerous applications ranging from medical diagnostics and food technology to electronics and psychology. Exploring nanotechnology's philosophical and social perspective can better understand these domains and may open new doors for research. This review addresses philosophical and other aspects of nanotechnology, such as history, definitions, vision, language, laws, politics, and ethics. This is an attempt to equip anyone in the field of nanotechnology with philosophical and social insights. We expect this review to provide an introductory understanding of philosophy and other aspects to the nanotechnologists, which are usually excluded from their degree curriculum.