ABSTRACT

The goal of nanobiotechnology — using nanotechnology to access biological systems — is to employ technology to influence and shape living systems to a greater degree. It even offers the perspective of artificial life being created by means of synthetic biology. The question whether such developments are responsible has been raised in intensified form in view of the ever increasing extent of man’s interventions in nature (Jömann and Ach, 2006). This chapter will first describe nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology (Section 7.1) and name the chances and risks that they pose as far as something can already be said about them (Section 7.2). It will then analyze the starting points of ethical reflection, focusing on the normative uncertainty that may be developing (Section 7.3). This is followed by hermeneutic questions as to the changing relationship between technology, nature, and life (Section 7.4) and by conclusions for dealing responsibly with the current situation of research (Section 7.5).