INCORPORATING SOCIAL AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (STS) COURSES

摘要

This paper presents an overview of new and emerging nanotechnologies and their societal and ethical implications to address 21st Century challenges and issues. The discussion includes a range of different types of nanotechnologies and their potential effects and social implications on society. The paper highlights the approach used to teach Science, Technology and Society (STS) course at DeVry University, Addison, IL. The focus of the paper is to examine major types of nanotechnologies that should be included in the STS courses. It is vital that our students understand the importance of the effects of these powerful new technologies and develop ethical strategies for using the many new dimensions and capabilities that such new technologies reveal.