Uma abordagem bioética sobre a moralidade das nanotecnologias do Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação e sua governança

Abstract

In general, nanotechnology refers to the study and manipulation of matter at the nanoscale. It has been considered by governments and part of the scientific and non scientific literature as the third Industrial Revolution and promises to affect practically all economic sectors: healthcare, cosmetics, agriculture, electronics, energy, packaging, automotive, transportation, construction, and other areas. As a consequence, the effects of this new technology may impact, positively or negatively, on our lives and life-related issues: human health, animal health, and environment. Some results are and will be real in health, food and feed, energy, environment, transportation, among others. How the outcomes of nanotechnology will impact on society depends not solely on the use of it, but mainly on the attention government and scientific academy give to this emergent topic. This research aims to identify the morality of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s nanotechnology policies, using analytical and normative bioethical tools. Regarding that the scientist is responsible for the societal consequences of science and that his outcomes become goods when publicized, the focus of the present work will be the morality analysis of the nanotechnologies developed in Brazil, considering the point of view of the main players involved – (nano)scientists and public (nano)managers. The present work has a descriptive and analytical nature and considers bibliographic review; analysis of policy documents of Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Plans) and of National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Call for Projects, Research Project and Research Report); and bioethical reflection concerning morality of governmental policies and research. The analysis illustrates the linear offer conception, the emphasis on innovation and competitiveness, and the absence of the organized civil society in the nanotechnologies policy-making.