The Sociological Impact of Nanotechnology and...

I elected to do my term paper on the sociological impact of nanotechnology and biotechnology (commonly called â€Å"bionics†) because of the vast potential for advances in medicine, space exploration and technology. These are but a few of the areas which will surely be affected by the development of new and never before imagined processes and engineered materials which have the power to change the way every aspect of one’s life is lived. I will generally focus on the Structural-Functional and Social-Conflict approaches for the majority of the paper, but will touch on some of the aspects as seen by the Symbolic-Interaction approach when considering the implications of the subject on society, as well. First things first, what exactly are†¦show more content†¦Rodney A. Brooks, the Director of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory knows a little about how much difference a few decades can make. In his book, â€Å"Flesh And Machines†, he discusses how technological advancements have had this effect on his own personal life. He describes receiving his â€Å"scientific news† as a teenager by 3-month steamship voyage. Then in the 1980’s he â€Å"telecommuted† between Massachusetts and California on a daily basis, first using 20 MB tape cartridges and then on low-speed leased data lines. By the 1990’s he was using free internet to conduct his daily business. All of these communication innovations had extraordinary effects both in the private and public sectors, and nanotechnology and bionics promise the same extreme effects but more than likely with even faster rates of change (Brooks: 6). As an example of both sciences, let’s look at the possibility of eating sewage for breakfast. Yes, the thought sounds horrifyingly disgusting, but in his book entitled â€Å"Na-nofuture: What’s Next for Nanotechnology†, J. StorrsShow MoreRelatedLas 432 - Genetically Modified Foods Essay14589 Words   |  59 Pages 12 I. Biotechnology Timeline II. Advantages and Disadvantages Political and Legal Issues by Brenda Brown 16 I. U.S. Laws and Regulations II. Current Political Issues III. What are the Possible Health Effects of GM FOODS? The Effect of GMO’S on the Economy by Brenda Brown 22 I. Corporate Power II. The Effects of Farming GM Crops III. GM Foods around the World Psychological Considerations and Sociological Effects by Tony Balch 26 I. Current Impact on Consumers