Assignment 5 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number: 523321
Due Date: 7 April 2025, 8:00 AM
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.
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Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
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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.
3. WHERE DO I FIT IN NOW? (200 words)
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.