Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance

Technoscience and Convergence: a Transmutation of Values? Summerschool on Ethics of Converging Technologies

Technoscience is often perceived as an expression of the primacy of utilitarian values that would take over the field of pure and disinterested science. A number of scientists deplore that the age of science for its own sake is coming to an end (Lévy-Leblond, 2000). This common view expressed by active scientists is shared and developed by historians. In a paper describing technoscience as a cu...

NBIC, THE CONVERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Possibilities for global governance of converging technologies

The convergence of nanotechnology, modern biology, the digital revolution and cognitive sciences will bring about tremendous improvements in transformative tools, generate new products and services, enable opportunities to meet and enhance human potential and social achievements, and in time reshape societal relationships. This paper focuses on the progress made in governance of such converging...

Teaching Engineering Ethics Through a Nanoscale Case Study

This paper presents a nanoscale case-study that applies an integrative approach to teaching engineering ethics. This case study involves an NSF-sponsored report on converging technologies for improving human performance. Public debate is widening, policy makers are demanding explicit consideration of ethical, legal, and social aspects, and popular books are explaining the achievements and promi...

Unifying Principles in Complex Systems

Implications of Complex Systems and Converging Technologies for Human Performance The ability of science and technology to augment human performance depends on an understanding of systems, not just components. The convergence of technologies is an essential aspect of the effort to enable functioning systems that include human beings and technology; and serve the human beings to enhance their we...