Ethical aspects of the biologicalisation of manufacturing

Abstract

This paper explores the ethics of the biologicalisation of manufacturing, a research area of increasing importance to industrial strategy. The term biologicalisation is used in a variety of ways in the technical literature, this paper provides an exploratory conceptual analysis, focused on the biologicalisation of engineering and the technosphere. Given the strong normative drive implicit in discussions of biologicalisation, the goals of biologicalisation from a value perspective are discussed. This teleological analysis focuses on specific and over-arching goals, particularly in relation to ideals of sustainability. Aside from these philosophical questions specific challenges of applied ethics will also arise in relation to the biologicalisation of manufacturing. Specifically, challenges to do with unintended consequences, moral hazard, responsibility, justice, property, weaponisation and instrumentalisation are examined. A number of these are briefly introduced in order to delineate areas for further research and introduce engineers to the sorts of ethical challenges likely to emerge. Finally, a set of recommendations for the further development of biologicalisation of manufacturing are provided.