Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

224227

Material uncertainty

nanomaterials, regulation and symbolic legislation

Robert G. LeeElen Stokes

pp. 237-252

Abstract

This chapter examines debates concerning the EU's regulation of nanotechnology. Claims about the potential uses and consequences of nanotechnology are scientifically and politically contested, and have understandably failed to produce consensus over an appropriate regulatory response. Yet legislatures and policymakers have been called upon to review and, as necessary, enact legislation. Here, we find that legislation works symbolically in two senses. In the "negative" sense, legislation is deployed to signal that nanotechnology and the risks to which it gives rise are capable of and subject to control, in spite of prevailing uncertainty. At the same time, the legislation strives to achieve "positive" symbolism in the sense that the legislative process opens up space in which technological futures can be the subject of debate. The chapter concludes by noting that notwithstanding the dangers of the negatively symbolic approach, and while the legislation does not achieve "positive" symbolism in the fullest way possible, nonetheless the venue for debate provided by the introduction of legislation is to be welcomed.

Publication details

Published in:

van Klink Bart, van Beers Britta, Poort Lonneke (2016) Symbolic legislation theory and developments in biolaw. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 237-252

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33365-6_14

Full citation:

Lee Robert G., Stokes Elen (2016) „Material uncertainty: nanomaterials, regulation and symbolic legislation“, In: B. Van Klink, B. Van Beers & L. Poort (eds.), Symbolic legislation theory and developments in biolaw, Dordrecht, Springer, 237–252.