Nanotechnology in medicine also certainly presents issues concerning humanity and society.

Although it may seem a very abstract issue, an important philosophical concern is in the mind of many: just how many nanotechnology implementations in the human body (to protect against diseases and to offer “enhanced immunization”) would it take for a human to no longer remain human? Many are afraid that nanotechnology implants in the body will decrease the gap between humans and robots/computers. Such a gap, they fear, will lead to an overlapping or “fuzzy” boundary between humans and robots.  (Image Citation 22).

 

Also, who will have control over nanomedicinal technology?  Will everyone have control (as open-source perhaps)? Or only doctors, surgeons and other medical practitioners who seem like the probable controllers? Perhaps the holders of the nanomedicine patents? Or a few elite persons with complete control? Will this possesion render a bias for treatment and use on basis of ethnicity, color and race, not to mention political standings and viewpoints? Patients or those upon whom the nano-treatments are to be used: will they suspect a bias towards use of such treatment on them?

 

The issue of human feedback and dignity is also present. Suppose that a man learns through early detection that a cancer cell is present in his body. The ability to detect a single cancerous cell or slightly elevated biometrics may have profound effects upon how individuals think about the status of their health and bodies. A heightened awareness of one’s health status could have profound effects on how an individual thinks about his/her health, and this may cause psychological harm such as anxiety, paranoia, etc. (Citation 14)., (Image Citation 23)

 

Not only issues of the society but issues of the economy also play an important role in determining how exactly nanotechnology will be used in medicine. Will “nanomedicine” widen the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor in its initial stages like many disruptive technologies of the past (televisions, telephones, automobiles etc.)?  In other words, will nanomedicine in its initial stage be available only for the rich?  Is there a certain patent for nanomedicine?  How much will the ideas of nanomedicine sell for?  Does nanomedicine favor the rich or the poor?  Will the poor get equal access to nanomedicine and other nano-medicinal technologies?  Whether or not nanocure will be used for the poverty stricken is currently a large debate over acceptance of nanotechnology in medicine. (Image Citation 24)

 

 

 

 
Make a Free Website with Yola.