Drexler and Smalley on Nanotech

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SUMMARY

Eric Drexler and Richard Smalley engaged in a debate regarding the feasibility of molecular nanotechnology, as reported in "Chemical & Engineering News." Drexler advocates for the potential of molecular manufacturing, supported by resources from Foresight Institute, while Smalley argues that such technology is either impossible or severely limited. The discussion raises concerns about the implications for policy, particularly regarding the National Nanotechnology Initiative's apparent disregard for molecular manufacturing research, which may overlook significant future advancements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular nanotechnology concepts
  • Familiarity with the National Nanotechnology Initiative
  • Knowledge of the arguments presented by Eric Drexler and Richard Smalley
  • Awareness of the implications of nanotechnology on policy and research funding
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of molecular manufacturing as outlined by Eric Drexler
  • Examine the critiques of nanotechnology by Richard Smalley
  • Explore the National Nanotechnology Initiative's current research focus and funding priorities
  • Investigate the potential societal impacts of advancements in molecular nanotechnology
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Researchers, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts interested in the future of nanotechnology and its implications for science and society.

Ontoplankton
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Recently, Eric Drexler and Richard Smalley debated the possibility of molecular nanotechnology in "Chemical & Engineering News":

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/8148/8148counterpoint.html

Drexler thinks molecular manufacturing is possible (there's a lot of interesting speculation about the consequences in http://www.foresight.org/EOC/, and the science is made more rigorous in e.g. http://www.foresight.org/Nanosystems/); Smalley thinks it's impossible (or very limited in scope).

Is anyone here able to assess the truth of all these claims? I'm confused.

Or does anyone have opinions about the consequences for policy? It seems that based on Smalley's low opinion of the field, the National Nanotechnology Initiative is ignoring research into molecular manufacturing altogether. This doesn't seem wise to me, considering the potential consequences.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Here's the comments at http://www.foresight.org/NanoRev/istherev.html . I haven't found any further comments by Smalley; if you do, please post.
 
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