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SUMMARY:Nanotechnology and 'upstream' public engagement:  Articulating the
  controversy potential of a 'technology-in-the-making'? - Dr Philip MacNag
 hten - University of Lancaster
DTSTART:20060512T143000Z
DTEND:20060512T153000Z
UID:TALK4962@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:spl37
DESCRIPTION:In this paper we examine empirical research aimed at helping c
 larify the likely social and ethical dimensions of emerging nanotechnologi
 es. The purpose of the research was to develop a deeper insight into the s
 orts of issues likely to shape public attitudes and concerns. This was not
  an easy task. How do you research a topic about which most people have li
 ttle or no opinion? How do you anticipate future public opinion? The resul
 ts\, based on 10 in-depth focus group discussions with assorted publics\, 
 our research presents a picture of emergent public opinion which differs t
 o some extent from the existing literature on public attitudes towards nan
 otechnology. It highlights a latent ambivalence towards nanotechnologies\,
  and suggests that there may be public unease about its potential implicat
 ions. What is perhaps most interesting is that this ambivalence did not di
 minish through greater knowledge and awareness. Instead\, through exposure
  to the multiple ways in which the\ndebate was being characterised\, and t
 hrough debate and deliberation\, our participants moved towards a more sce
 ptical view as to the ability of government and industry to represent the 
 public interest.\n
LOCATION: IRC in Superconductivity Seminar room
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