SUS1501
Assignment 5 Semester 2 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 September 2024
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
• “In the first 6 months of 2024, the six wealthiest men in South Africa gained on average R77 million
per day each.”
• “60% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the DRC. Significant amounts of this is mined under appalling
conditions often by child labourers.”
• “Of the top 10 wealthiest people (all men), seven are tech billionaires. Their net worth is US$ 847
billion or ZAR 13 trillion!”
2. INTRODUCTION (written for me by Prof Eccles)
In assignments 2, 3 and 4 we have, as a group, reflected on the facts above. We debated whether it was ok for
wealthiest six South Africans to earn on average R 77 million a day for the first six months of 2024. Some of us thought
this was a reflection of their business brilliance. Some of us thought that this was morally outrageous.
We then debated the issue children working in appalling conditions in cobalt mines in the DRC. Although most of us
thought that this was a problem, we saw how other ethical interpretations were possible.
And in the final analysis we considered the possibility that these two scenarios – great wealth and great poverty –
might in fact be linked. On the basis of this, we debated whether the whole picture looked ok. I think it is safe to say
that most of us were left feeling a bit uneasy about things.
Terms of use
That is all well and good. But what about me? In this short essay, I’m going By to
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I will need to develop in order to achieve this good life. And I’m going to think about the sort of problems that these
excellences might present if taken too far or not far enough. Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
Assignment 5 Semester 2 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 September 2024
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
• “In the first 6 months of 2024, the six wealthiest men in South Africa gained on average R77 million
per day each.”
• “60% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the DRC. Significant amounts of this is mined under appalling
conditions often by child labourers.”
• “Of the top 10 wealthiest people (all men), seven are tech billionaires. Their net worth is US$ 847
billion or ZAR 13 trillion!”
2. INTRODUCTION (written for me by Prof Eccles)
In assignments 2, 3 and 4 we have, as a group, reflected on the facts above. We debated whether it was ok for
wealthiest six South Africans to earn on average R 77 million a day for the first six months of 2024. Some of us thought
this was a reflection of their business brilliance. Some of us thought that this was morally outrageous.
We then debated the issue children working in appalling conditions in cobalt mines in the DRC. Although most of us
thought that this was a problem, we saw how other ethical interpretations were possible.
And in the final analysis we considered the possibility that these two scenarios – great wealth and great poverty –
might in fact be linked. On the basis of this, we debated whether the whole picture looked ok. I think it is safe to say
that most of us were left feeling a bit uneasy about things.
Terms of use
That is all well and good. But what about me? In this short essay, I’m going By to
making
think use of this
about thisdocument
question. you agreeout
I’ll start to:
by trying to figure out where I currently • fitUse this
in in document
this picture. as a guide
Then for learning,
I’m going to thinkcomparison
forward inand reference
time. purpose,
Specifically, I’m
going to imagine what• Not to duplicate,
I hope my legacyreproduce
will have and/or misrepresent
been over the coursetheofcontents
the goodof(eudaimonic)
this documentlifeas Iyour
haveown work,
lived. In
• I’m
formulating this vision of a life well lived, Fully accept
going the consequences
to make reference toshould you plagiarise
key virtues or misuse
or excellences thisthat
(arête) document.
I think
I will need to develop in order to achieve this good life. And I’m going to think about the sort of problems that these
excellences might present if taken too far or not far enough. Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
