SUS1501
Assignment 5 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 523321
Due Date: 7 April 2025
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
―In 2024, Elon Musk's net worth increased by about ZAR 12 billion every
day!‖
―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), eight are tech billionaires. Their
net worth is US$ 1.6 trillion or ZAR 31 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 Elon Musk’s net worth to have increased by about ZAR 12 billion per
day in 2024. Some of us thought this was a reflection of his business brilliance. Some of us
thought that this was morally outrageous.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
―In 2024, Elon Musk's net worth increased by about ZAR 12 billion
every day!‖
―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), eight are tech billionaires.
Their net worth is US$ 1.6 trillion or ZAR 31 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 Elon Musk’s net worth to have increased by about
ZAR 12 billion per day in 2024. Some of us thought this was a reflection of his
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.
That is all well and good. But what about me? In this short essay, I’m going to think
about this question. I’ll start out by trying to figure out where I currently fit in in this
picture. Then I’m going to think forward in time. Specifically, I’m going to imagine
what I hope my legacy will have been over the course of the good (eudaimonic) life I
have lived. In formulating this vision of a life well lived, I’m going to make reference
to key virtues or excellences (arête) that 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.
Assignment 5 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 523321
Due Date: 7 April 2025
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
―In 2024, Elon Musk's net worth increased by about ZAR 12 billion every
day!‖
―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), eight are tech billionaires. Their
net worth is US$ 1.6 trillion or ZAR 31 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 Elon Musk’s net worth to have increased by about ZAR 12 billion per
day in 2024. Some of us thought this was a reflection of his business brilliance. Some of us
thought that this was morally outrageous.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
1. BACKGROUND FACTS
―In 2024, Elon Musk's net worth increased by about ZAR 12 billion
every day!‖
―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), eight are tech billionaires.
Their net worth is US$ 1.6 trillion or ZAR 31 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 Elon Musk’s net worth to have increased by about
ZAR 12 billion per day in 2024. Some of us thought this was a reflection of his
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.
That is all well and good. But what about me? In this short essay, I’m going to think
about this question. I’ll start out by trying to figure out where I currently fit in in this
picture. Then I’m going to think forward in time. Specifically, I’m going to imagine
what I hope my legacy will have been over the course of the good (eudaimonic) life I
have lived. In formulating this vision of a life well lived, I’m going to make reference
to key virtues or excellences (arête) that 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.
