Real-Life Decision Making
As a researcher, you know that there are dangers involved in importing different species of fungi from other countries or other continents. There have been cases throughout history when different species have been introduced to one continent without knowing what the possible side effects might be.
For example, it could be possible to import a species that could be a pathogen (disease causing) to native plant species. If a fungus is useful or beneficial in one area, you have to consider whether there will be potential risks to other areas.
Now you are interested in importing a fungus from Asia. You want to study that fungus to see if it could be used medicinally in the treatment of certain diseases. You look through various books and journals, but you cannot find any information about the fungus's suitability in North America.
The fungus is important to your research, which is being funded by a pharmaceutical company. Without that particular fungus, your research will not be as useful as you want it to be.
You know that as a researcher in a respected institution, you can probably arrange to import the fungus without much difficulty. You also believe that the fungus will be safe in your lab. After all, if you are only using it in controlled laboratory conditions, what chance will it have to infect native plant life?
You could present this question to a group of your peers and ask them to help you analyze the potential risks and gains of bringing the fungus into North America.
Presenting the issue to your group will take time. It will probably be several weeks before they arrive at a decision. They will argue and debate and it will seem to go on forever. You need the fungus now.
What do you do?