Trust in nanotechnology

This chapter argues that the presence of nanoparticles in nanotechnologies and the very production techniques that nanomaterials share can make them functionally and normatively special. The intrinsic risks and trust associated with using nanotechnologies pertain to the very materials that constitute nanotechnologies, namely different forms of nanoparticles. However, at the functional level, the risks and trust associated with nanotechnology are all instrumental. The same is true for dangers arising for privacy due to greater monitoring and surveillance enabled by nano-enhanced electronics. As suggested at the beginning of the chapter, trust might relate to nanotechnology in general, to a type of product, to a particular product or perhaps to those who undertake the research and development. The situation of trusting a particular bottle of sunscreen containing nanoparticles is similar. It involves at least trusting the manufacturers, those in charge of safety checks as well as the nano-scientists and –technologists who developed the product and vouch for its safety.