Nanoscience or Nanosciences? - The Interdisciplinary Discipline

Abstract In this article, we question whether nanoscience has already matured into a single discipline or whether it retains the character of an interdisciplinary endeavour, involving the natural sciences as well as technology. In search for an answer, the traits of disciplines according to William Bechtel are considered. Arguments in favour of using 'nanoscience', as a singular, or 'nanosciences', as a plural, are elucidated. In terms of objects of study, nanoscience is compared with colloid science. Cognitive abilities are traced back to the parent natural sciences. Finally, in the field of social and institutional organizations, it seems that nanoscience cannot yet compete with traditional disciplines. In future the question about the disciplinary character of nanoscience has to be solved mainly on a sociological level.