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Synthetic Biology as Technoscience and the EEE Concept of Responsibility

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Synthetic Biology

Part of the book series: Risk Engineering ((RISK))

Abstract

Two fields of reflection on synthetic biology are related to each other: the debate on the understanding of the specific scientific character of synthetic biology on the one hand with reference to the notion of technosciences, and the debate on Responsible Research and Innovation on the other. The target is asking for the consequences and implications of classifying synthetic biology as a technoscience which implies blurring the traditional distinction between basic and applied sciences—for attributing and distributing responsibility. To this end, the EEE model of responsibility will be introduced (empirical, ethical, epistemological). Building on this concept the specific responsibility constellation in the field of synthetic biology will be analysed. Concluding, the necessities of conceptualising ethics as an accompanying reflection on the scientific and technological advances including the consideration of their relationship to the governance of science within the democratic system are taken under consideration.

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Correspondence to Armin Grunwald .

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Grunwald, A. (2015). Synthetic Biology as Technoscience and the EEE Concept of Responsibility. In: Giese, B., Pade, C., Wigger, H., von Gleich, A. (eds) Synthetic Biology. Risk Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02783-8_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02783-8_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-02782-1

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