A Companion to the Philosophy of Technology

Decision-making about New Technologies

Most agree that biotechnology itself is not inherently “risky” or “safe,” but its products are. Decision-makers are faced with having to fit regulations to numerous types of products with unique risk and benefit profiles. This is especially challenging when products transcend disciplinary, sector and agency borders. These types of applications and products are categorized as “convergent technologies” (Figure 94.1). In 1986 the US Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology did not include guidance for the oversight of emerging or future products, leading to uncertainty as to how today’s products like genetically engineered insects, fish and animals will be regulated and stalling these applications.^9,10 This highlights the need to anticipate and prepare for the future in decision-making for new technologies.¹¹

Figure 94.1 Convergence technologies to improve health and the environment

Note: Examples at the intersection of circles are related to the use of biotechnology as broadly defined. Biotechnology, narrowly defined as rDNA techniques, also stands on its own as a circle in the diagram.

Perception issues with convergent and novel applications abound. The public is more likely to perceive risks as unacceptable if they lack information about, experience with, and control of technologies.¹² Risk conversion factors have been formulated ...