Chapter 28 On the Feasibility of Nanotechnology: A Chinese Perspective

Abstract

This abstract discusses the concept of feasibility in the context of nanotechnology, a rapidly growing field with immense potential in various strategic industries. The paper differentiates between two types of possibilities: real and potential. Real possibility refers to feasibility, which is the focus of this chapter.

The chapter aims to explore and critique the current understanding of feasibility, highlighting the limitations of this understanding. It introduces the Chinese concept of feasibility, which carries different connotations compared to the English term. The paper argues that this Chinese perspective can offer valuable insights into feasibility studies for nanotechnology, particularly in assessing the technology's possible positive and negative outcomes.

Finally, the chapter proposes to outline basic strategies for developing nanotechnology based on this nuanced understanding of feasibility. These strategies are intended to guide the advancement of nanotechnology by considering its practicality, potential impacts, and the broader context within which it operates.

28.1 Introduction

This introduction outlines the significance and rapid development of nanotechnology in the 21st century, highlighting its applications in various fields such as biopharmacy, environmental protection, electronics, energy, and space flight. The USA's National Nanotechnology Initiative, established in 2000, has been a catalyst for global advancement in this field. Nanotechnology is already present in many consumer products, indicating its growing commercialization.

Despite its potential, nanotechnology also raises concerns due to the uncertain outcomes and potential negative effects it may have on humans and the environment. Issues like the risks of artificial nano-materials, ethical questions around human enhancements, and the merging of nanotechnologies with other scientific fields pose challenges to traditional ethical frameworks.

Given these dual aspects of nanotechnology – its positive potential and negative implications – the paper emphasizes the need to differentiate between real and potential possibilities. This distinction is crucial for understanding and evaluating the true potential of nanotechnology.

The main focus of the paper is to explore the concept of feasibility in the context of nanotechnology. It aims to examine and critique the current understanding of feasibility, proposing that the Chinese concept of feasibility offers valuable insights. This perspective is deemed significant for assessing both the positive and negative possibilities of nanotechnology.

Lastly, the paper aims to establish basic principles for determining the feasibility and conditions necessary for the successful and responsible development of nanotechnology. This philosophical reflection intends to contribute to the broader discussion on how to effectively and ethically harness the potential of nanotechnology.

28.2 What Is Feasibility?

Feasibility, in the context of technology and nanotechnology, refers to the realistic possibility of achieving certain goals or outcomes. The English word "feasibility" and its related term "feasible" encompass three meanings: (1) being capable of being accomplished or realized, (2) being reasonable, logical, or likely, and (3) being suitable for use or successful handling. In essence, feasibility is about the capability of doing something successfully.

Historically, the concept of feasibility gained prominence in technological evaluations with the Tennessee river basin feasibility study in America during the 1930s. This study incorporated factors like market research, technological advancement, economic rationality, and more. These feasibility studies became a standard part of engineering projects post-World War II and spread globally.

In a feasibility study, the focus is typically on a few key aspects:

• The technological and knowledge preconditions, including infrastructure and software.
• Economic aspects, including investment, returns, and risk assessment.
• Environmental costs.
• Availability of resources, including energy.

Traditional feasibility studies mainly consider technological and economic/material aspects. However, they often overlook several critical factors:

• The ultimate purpose or goal of the technology, assuming that the aim of any technology is inherently positive or appropriate.
• The complexity of modern technology and its broader implications.
• The focus is usually on a system that includes technological and eco-political elements but ignores deeper questions about the ultimate purpose of technology and economics.

Traditional feasibility studies often overlook these key points

Purpose of Technology: Traditional feasibility assumes the purpose of technology is inherently positive, focusing mainly on instrumental rationality. It fails to consider the ultimate goals and implications of technology, reducing its analysis to a mere examination of means to an end.

Example: Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Context: EVs are developed primarily for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Feasibility Aspect: A feasibility study would need to assess not just the technological capabilities of EVs but also whether they align with broader environmental and social goals, such as reducing carbon footprints or improving urban air quality.

Conflation of Purpose and Consequences: There is often an assumption that the intentions of technology align with its outcomes, ignoring discrepancies between these two.

Example: Social Media Platforms

Context: Originally designed to connect people and foster communication.

Feasibility Aspect: Over time, some platforms have been criticized for unintended consequences like spreading misinformation or affecting mental health. A feasibility study should consider both the intended purpose (connectivity) and potential negative outcomes.

Ethical Considerations: The role of ethics in technical activities is often neglected. Technology, as a human activity, should adhere to ethical standards, considering responsibilities towards not just employers but also users, society, and future generations.

Example: Gene Editing Technologies (e.g., CRISPR)

Context: Offers the potential to cure genetic diseases.

Feasibility Aspect: Ethical considerations such as the potential for 'designer babies' or unintended genetic consequences should be part of the feasibility study, beyond just technical capabilities and economic viability.

Public Attitude Towards Technology: The public's perception and acceptance of technology are frequently ignored. This includes cultural norms, community values, and the awareness and acceptability of technology among users and consumers.

Example: 5G Wireless Technology

Context: Promises faster internet speeds and more reliable connections.

Feasibility Aspect: Public concerns about health risks from electromagnetic radiation or privacy issues should be addressed in feasibility studies, considering community acceptance and regulatory environments.

Responsibility and Virtue of Technology Actors: The responsibility in technology often gets diluted in collective actions. A feasibility study should clearly identify responsible parties and emphasize the moral obligations of those involved in technology development and implementation.

Example: Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

Context: Designed to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion.

Feasibility Aspect: The study should consider who is responsible in the event of an accident (manufacturer or software developer), and ethical programming decisions (like the 'trolley problem') should be transparent and align with societal values.

Feasibility studies should extend beyond just technical and economic aspects to include the purpose, ethical considerations, public attitudes, uncertainties, and moral responsibilities associated with technology. This comprehensive approach is especially crucial for emerging technologies like nanotechnology, where the impact and consequences can be significant and far-reaching.

28.3 The Concepts of Action and Feasibility in Chinese Philosophy

Chinese philosophy regards the whole world as a dynamic open process. It does not presuppose a constant and abstract noumenon. Change is seen as the essence of reality. Contrary to Western philosophy, which lays more stress on cognition than on action and emphasizes principles over strategy, Chinese philosophy puts action (i.e. practice) first in the relationship between cognition and action. The concept of feasibility in Chinese philosophy places a strong emphasis on action and its conditions, differing from the conventional understanding of feasibility in terms of technological and economic factors. 

Here's a concise explanation:

Respect for and Compliance with Natural Laws:

In Chinese philosophy, acknowledging and abiding by natural laws ("tian xing you chang") is crucial. This principle implies that nature operates according to certain laws and that respecting these laws is essential for the feasibility of any action. In the context of technology, this could translate to developing technologies that are in harmony with natural principles and ecological systems.

Assessing the Situation and Seizing Opportunities:

Chinese thought emphasizes understanding the current situation and acting accordingly ("Do things in accordance with the situation"). This means recognizing and capitalizing on the right opportunities. In practical terms, it involves conducting thorough market and environmental analyses to ensure the right timing and context for introducing a technology or innovation.

Virtue as a Guarantee of Action:

Virtue, or adherence to social laws and norms, is seen as a key determinant of the success of any action. This concept aligns with the idea that for a technological action to be feasible, it must not only be technically possible but also ethically and socially acceptable. It underlines the importance of considering ethical implications and societal impacts in the development and deployment of technology.

The Chinese concept of feasibility thus integrates natural laws, contextual awareness, and ethical considerations, offering a more holistic approach to evaluating the feasibility of actions, particularly in the realm of technology like nanotechnology. This perspective goes beyond mere technical and economic feasibility, incorporating broader societal, environmental, and ethical dimensions.

28.4 Feasibility Strategies for Nanotechnology Development

The Chinese concept of feasibility offers a comprehensive approach to assessing the development of nanotechnology, emphasizing the integration of material, cognitive, and human factors. Here's a concise explanation of feasibility strategies for nanotechnology development:

Inclusion of Traditional Feasibility Study Elements:

This strategy involves considering material elements like energy, resources, and the environment, as well as knowledge development factors such as technological tools, equipment, funding, and information. These are standard elements in traditional feasibility studies.

Consideration of Cultural Context and Virtues of Actors:

In addition to material and cognitive factors, it's important to consider the cultural background and ethical virtues of those involved in technological activities. This includes understanding the ethical implications and societal impacts of nanotechnology.

Assessing Technology Acceptability:

Understanding how users and consumers perceive and accept nanotechnology is crucial. This involves considering public attitudes, cultural norms, and community values towards the technology.

Diverse Perspectives and Interests:

Different stakeholders (scientists, business people, politicians, the public) may have varying opinions on what is feasible. Acknowledging and addressing these different perspectives and interests is essential.

Analysis of Feasibility Factors:

A thorough analysis of factors influencing feasibility is necessary. This includes asking who finds the technology feasible, to whom it is feasible, what exactly is feasible, and the basis of this feasibility.

Contextual Considerations:

Evaluating the feasibility of nanotechnology requires considering the specific time and place – when and where the technology is feasible. This accounts for changing conditions and evolving societal and environmental contexts.

Strategic Principles for Analysis:

When analyzing nanotechnology's feasibility, it’s important to apply strategic principles that consider all the aforementioned aspects. This includes understanding the purpose, means, results, and broader implications of the technology.

In summary, the feasibility strategies for nanotechnology development, influenced by Chinese philosophical concepts, emphasize a holistic approach. This approach integrates traditional economic and technological considerations with broader ethical, cultural, and human aspects, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the technology's potential impact and viability.

28.4.1 Specific Strategy

The "specific strategy" in Chinese philosophy emphasizes the importance of making a concrete analysis of concrete issues, adjusting measures to local conditions, and treating different things in different ways. When applied to nanotechnology, this strategy involves considering the unique aspects of various research areas, different nanotechnologies, and the properties of different nano-materials. Here's a concise explanation:

Diverse Properties of Nano-materials:

Nano-materials like Nano-Au, Nano-Ag, Nano-Sn, or nano-semiconductors exhibit distinct properties at different nano-measurements. Understanding these unique properties is crucial for practical applications and assessing potential risks.

Varied Impact of Nanotechnologies:

Not all nanotechnologies have the same level of maturity or potential side effects. While some might pose environmental risks, others can significantly contribute to pollution control and energy solutions. A general discussion on nanotechnology's ethical aspects might lead to resistance from scientists and hinder technological advancement.

Different Societal Attitudes Towards Nanotechnology:

People's attitudes towards nanotechnology can vary, even within the same cultural circle. For instance, cancer patients may view medical nanotechnology more favorably due to its potential benefits, prioritizing hope and expectations over risk concerns.

Cultural and Value Considerations in Feasibility Studies:

Culture and values play a critical role in feasibility studies of nanotechnology. It's difficult to achieve a consensus on sensitive technological issues, even among people sharing similar cultural backgrounds.

In summary, the specific strategy for nanotechnology development underlines the importance of a tailored approach, taking into account the unique characteristics of different nanotechnologies and nano-materials, the varied impacts they can have, and the diverse cultural and individual attitudes towards these technologies. This approach ensures that ethical, environmental, and societal aspects are adequately addressed in the development and application of nanotechnology.

28.4.2 Real-Time Strategy

The "real-time strategy" in Chinese philosophy emphasizes the importance of making assessments and decisions based on the current state of nanotechnological development. This approach is essential for an effective feasibility study. Here's a concise explanation:

Importance of 'Time':

The strategy focuses on the critical aspect of 'time' in decision-making. Grasping the right timing is key to ensuring actions are reasonable and appropriate.

Real-Time Technology Assessment (RTTA):

Developed by David Guston and Daniel Sarewitz, RTTA is a model for assessing the risks of nanotechnology. It emphasizes real-time assessment, decision-making, and adjustments during the ongoing development of technology.

Tracing Evaluation Process:

Researchers at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Research in Karlsruhe, Germany, advocate for a "tracing evaluation of the process." This approach, like RTTA, stresses the importance of real-time analysis in technology development.

Rapid Technological Development Context:

In today's fast-paced technological landscape, nanotechnology often progresses in tandem with or ahead of nanoscience. This means that nanotechnologies may enter the market and be used even when their mechanisms, toxicity, and basic theories are not fully understood.

Addressing Cumulative and Long-Term Consequences:

Traditional methods of assessing technical consequences may not be adequate for nanotechnology due to its cumulative and long-term effects. The consequences of nanotechnology are complex and can be challenging to predict.

Mitigating Potential Ethical Disasters:

If nanotechnology is misused, it could lead to unpredictable ethical disasters. Real-time tracking, safety research, policy development, and ethical norm establishment are crucial.

Sustainable Development of Nanotechnology and Humanity:

Conducting synchronized research on the safety and ethical implications of nanotechnology, and developing timely policies, laws, and ethical norms, is vital for the sustainable development of both nanotechnology and humanity.

In summary, the real-time strategy for nanotechnology development highlights the importance of making decisions and assessments in real-time, adapting to the rapid pace of technological advances, and understanding the potential long-term consequences of nanotechnology. This approach is crucial for ensuring the ethical, safe, and sustainable development of nanotechnologies.

28.4.3 Dynamic Strategy

The "dynamic strategy" in Chinese philosophy emphasizes an open and adaptable ethical approach, which is crucial for feasibility studies in the context of nanotechnology. Here's a concise explanation:

Open and Adaptive Ethical Attitude:

This strategy advocates for flexibility and adaptability in response to the evolving nature of nanotechnology and societal attitudes towards it. It suggests that ethical and legal norms related to nanotechnology should be dynamically adjusted based on ongoing developments and social acceptance.

Seizing Opportunities and Staying Current:

The essence of the dynamic strategy is to seize opportunities as they arise and remain up-to-date with technological advancements. It encourages balancing respect for tradition with an orientation towards the future.

Controllability and Modifiability of Actions:

A key characteristic of this strategy is ensuring that actions are controllable and modifiable. This means recognizing the progressive nature of our understanding of technology and science and acknowledging the limits of our knowledge.

Cautious Advancement:

The strategy advises caution in advancing nanotechnology, especially when conditions are uncertain or not fully understood. It promotes a prudent approach to development, avoiding hasty actions when the full implications are not clear.

Contextual and Interpretable Scientific Truth:

Acknowledging that scientific truths are often interpretable and context-dependent, this strategy suggests applying and developing nanotechnology when it is proven to be safe. In cases of uncertainty regarding safety, a cautious approach is recommended.

Timely Adjustment of Development Strategies:

The dynamic strategy underlines the importance of timely adjustments to development strategies based on new information, discoveries, and societal feedback regarding nanotechnology.

In summary, the dynamic strategy for nanotechnology development emphasizes the need for an adaptable and responsive approach to ethical and legal norms, recognizing the changing nature of scientific understanding and societal attitudes. This approach calls for cautious advancement, respect for evolving scientific truths, and the flexibility to modify actions and strategies as new information becomes available.

28.4.4 Holistic Strategy

The "holistic strategy" in Chinese philosophy emphasizes a comprehensive and global approach to the responsible development of nanotechnology, focusing on the interests of all humanity. Here's a concise explanation:

Global Perspective in Nanotechnology Development:

This strategy suggests that the development and research of nanotechnology should not be limited to regional or national interests. Instead, it should be guided by the overall interests of humanity, considering the global implications and impacts.

Role of Scientists:

Scientists, as primary actors in nanotechnology research, should go beyond focusing on national benefits. They have a responsibility to consider global sustainable development and to openly communicate the advantages and risks of nanotechnology to the public. This includes a transparent discussion about both the positive and negative aspects of the technology.

Public Involvement in Decision-Making:

The strategy advocates for the active participation of the general public in decision-making processes related to nanotechnology. Since nanotechnology can be complex and its implications far-reaching, public understanding and involvement are crucial. This participation is seen as both a right and a responsibility of the public.

Practical and Comprehensive Investigation:

Instead of abstract speculation about the potential benefits or risks of nanotechnology, the holistic strategy calls for practical, real-time, and comprehensive investigations into the feasibility of specific nanotechnologies. This approach is aimed at ensuring sustainable development and aligns with the pursuit of a better life for all.

In summary, the holistic strategy for nanotechnology development underlines the importance of considering the broader interests of humanity, ensuring transparent communication from scientists to the public, involving the public in decision-making, and conducting practical and comprehensive investigations into specific nanotechnologies. This approach seeks to balance the benefits and risks of nanotechnology while promoting its sustainable development on a global scale.