As a College student, you successfully use recombinant DNA technique to produce a new bacteria that can rapidly convert cellulose into glucose. You are approached by a giant international corporation that promises you power, fame and fortune if you will allow them to market your biological creation. The corporation anticipates that the bacterium will provide a cheap and easy way to dispose of garbage and recycle paper into edible sugar. It will solve a global ecological problem and provide food for a hungry world. There is one problem that you feel the corporation minimizes. These bacteria, of released into the environment, might destroy anything made of cellulose—such as all plants and wood products, houses and furniture. How would you solve your dilemma?
(figure available in print form)
Adapted from Weissberg and Caplan—‘When you have a problem’.
(a) Defining the Problem
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1. Self-interest in power, fame and fortune—for oneself- for the Corporation
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2. Possibility of destroying the world.
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3. Saving the world ecologically
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4. Feeding hungry populations.
(b) 4 Solutions
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1. Destroy the bacteria
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2. Accept the terms of the Corporation and trust their judgment.
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3. Donate your work to UNESCO that will conduct an international symposium to debate the issue.
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4. Start your own biotechnology business and invite experts in genetics, economic development, environmental protection management, international investment and a New York City banker to be on your board of directors.
(c) Consequences for solutions 1-4
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1.The bacteria were too great a liability so their destruction gives you peace of mind and the world is saved. You stay poor and you become a school teacher.
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2. The corporation makes you rich, famous and powerful, but you have no control over what happens to your bacteria. The fear of global disaster continues but research is being funded to find a virulent virus that can destroy the bacteria in the worst case scenario. A minor accident occurs. The bacteria is banned by the government.
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3. The UN debates the issue—the entire development becomes international and gradually new biotechnology is put into effect that has adequate safeguards. It takes thirty years before you get any financial return. However you have friends around the world and you are well respected.
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4. Initially your company is enormously successful, however, it is bought out against your will by the original company that wanted to market the bacteria. You retire early with plenty of money but with serious health problems due to the exhaustion and anxiety of being an entrepreneur.
(d) Plan and measures uses to make a conclusion.
Choose solution 3
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1. Make an appointment with UNESCO at their New York offices.
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2. You meet with the UN General Secretary and advisors.
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3. Your proposal for an international symposium is accepted.
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4. You lose control over your bacteria, but you are employed by the UN to assist in the development of the commission’s work.
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Measures of success
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- cheap disposal of garbage occurs
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- cheap production of sugar occurs
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- adequate safety precautions against disaster are implemented
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- your life is fulfilling