Taylor & Francis Online :: Knowledge politics and new converging technologies: a social epistemological perspective - Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research - Volume 22, Issue 1

Taylor & Francis Online :: Knowledge politics and new converging technologies: a social epistemological perspective - Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research - Volume 22, Issue 1

Abstract

The “new converging technologies” refers to the prospect of advancing the human condition by the integrated study and application of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and the cognitive sciences – or “NBIC”. In recent years, it has loomed large, albeit with somewhat different emphases, in national science policy agendas throughout the world. This article considers the political and intellectual sources – both historical and contemporary – of the converging technologies agenda. Underlying it is a fluid conception of humanity that is captured by the ethically challenging notion of “enhancing evolution”.

Taylor & Francis Online :: The US President's Council on Bioethics: modeling a thicker knowledge politics - Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research - Volume 22, Issue 1

Taylor & Francis Online :: The US President's Council on Bioethics: modeling a thicker knowledge politics - Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research - Volume 22, Issue 1

Abstract

This article argues that the “thicker” moral inquiry modeled by the US President's Council on Bioethics is a significant and valuable innovation in knowledge politics. It first distinguishes two kinds of knowledge politics – active deciding vs. thinking and talking. The focus here is on the latter. The article then introduces some relevant historical background. Next, it indicates how prior bioethics committees in the US practised a “thin” version of knowledge politics that both reflected and consolidated typical ways of thinking and talking about biomedical technology. The article then argues that, because of the non-neutrality of technology, a thin knowledge politics is neither sufficient nor necessary for liberal democratic governments concerned to understand and manage emerging technologies. The last section uses a Council report to illustrate the benefits of a thicker knowledge politics.

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