SUS1501
ASSIGNMENT 8 SEMESTER 2 2023
, Introduction
My aim in compiling this portfolio was to reflect on the things that have struck me throughout
this crazy module.
My starting point for doing this was to revisit my opinions to the multiple choice questions which
were presented in the Crossroads assignment. I present these current opinions, together with
my original opinions, and some brief notes in the section entitled: “Back at the Crossroads!”
Once I have done this, I draw some key conclusions about this crazy module and about the things
that did indeed strike me.
Back at the Crossroads!
1. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) "The wealth of the few depends upon the poverty of
many." My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:
a. So long as I am amongst the few I don't care
b. This is just not true – the rich are simply more “diligent, intelligent, and above all frugal”.
c. This is just not true – if it were not for the generous wealthy, the poor would be even poorer
than they are.
d. This is absolutely true – there is only so much wealth in the world at any one moment so if
one person has more than their share someone else has to have less than their share.
e. This is absolutely true and given how much poverty there is we ought to do something about
it.
Choice now: E
Choice in assignment 1: E
Notes: According to Rawls 2nd principle (Principle 2a) “Everyone deserves equality of fair opportunity”
(Rawls, 1971) So how is possible and acceptable that the wealth of the few should depend on the poverty
of many? I still maintain that we all ought to do something about poverty, if we would all apply this
principle then I do believe that we would be moving in the right direction into eradicating poverty, the
few that are already wealthy should consider or let me say the government should be considering
redistribution of wealth in the world, that is our only hope to eradicating poverty in the whole world.
It's true that most wealthy and prosperous people take advantage of others because doing so provides
benefits. Exploiting the system of low pay is the foundation of Bob Van Dijk's success and fortune.
Employees at Nespers struggle mightily to improve their standard of living given their salaries at the
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
extra per year?
, company. Our communities are plagued with poverty, and we must act to stop the wealthy from taking
advantage of the weak.
2. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) "Save the rhino!!" My personal opinion on this
statement is most closely described by:
a. Who cares?
b. Let the people who want to use this resource pay to protect it.
c. We have bigger problems than worrying about rhinos.
d. We must save the rhinos for our children.
e. We must save the rhinos because it is the right thing to do.
Choice now: E
Choice in assignment 1: E
Notes: I think it is everyone's duty to protect rhinos, and I think more education is needed to make
people aware of the rhinos' significance to both humankind and the environment. Because doing so is
morally right, we must save rhinos. Because rhinos are God's animals, I think it is our duty as citizens and
guardians of this planet to safeguard their existence.
Additionally, the rhino has both intrinsic (simply because it is a rhino) and instrumental value to us Rhinos
attract tourists every year boosting our tourist industry the Rhino is important in the ecosystem and we
must conserve and protect them from extinction, we must protect them for future generations. If we
keep on adopting an anthropocentric view towards nature not only will the Rhino be extinct, but we will
have to explain to our children why we did not look after our planet the wildlife and our environment
resources. I think we should shift our minds towards a more non-anthropocentric view and respect the
fact that nature does not depend on us but we depend on nature and therefore saving the rhino is simply
the right thing to do.
3. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “In order to have the continued opportunity to
express their ‘generosity,’ the oppressors must perpetuate injustice as well.” (Paulo Freire) My
personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:
a. This is crazy ‘commie’ nonsense from Freire – it’s a disgrace that Unisa allows this rubbish to
appear in its official study material.
b. This is rubbish - if it were not for the essential goodness of the wealthy, the lives of the poor
would be so much worse than they already are.
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
extra per year?
ASSIGNMENT 8 SEMESTER 2 2023
, Introduction
My aim in compiling this portfolio was to reflect on the things that have struck me throughout
this crazy module.
My starting point for doing this was to revisit my opinions to the multiple choice questions which
were presented in the Crossroads assignment. I present these current opinions, together with
my original opinions, and some brief notes in the section entitled: “Back at the Crossroads!”
Once I have done this, I draw some key conclusions about this crazy module and about the things
that did indeed strike me.
Back at the Crossroads!
1. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) "The wealth of the few depends upon the poverty of
many." My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:
a. So long as I am amongst the few I don't care
b. This is just not true – the rich are simply more “diligent, intelligent, and above all frugal”.
c. This is just not true – if it were not for the generous wealthy, the poor would be even poorer
than they are.
d. This is absolutely true – there is only so much wealth in the world at any one moment so if
one person has more than their share someone else has to have less than their share.
e. This is absolutely true and given how much poverty there is we ought to do something about
it.
Choice now: E
Choice in assignment 1: E
Notes: According to Rawls 2nd principle (Principle 2a) “Everyone deserves equality of fair opportunity”
(Rawls, 1971) So how is possible and acceptable that the wealth of the few should depend on the poverty
of many? I still maintain that we all ought to do something about poverty, if we would all apply this
principle then I do believe that we would be moving in the right direction into eradicating poverty, the
few that are already wealthy should consider or let me say the government should be considering
redistribution of wealth in the world, that is our only hope to eradicating poverty in the whole world.
It's true that most wealthy and prosperous people take advantage of others because doing so provides
benefits. Exploiting the system of low pay is the foundation of Bob Van Dijk's success and fortune.
Employees at Nespers struggle mightily to improve their standard of living given their salaries at the
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
extra per year?
, company. Our communities are plagued with poverty, and we must act to stop the wealthy from taking
advantage of the weak.
2. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) "Save the rhino!!" My personal opinion on this
statement is most closely described by:
a. Who cares?
b. Let the people who want to use this resource pay to protect it.
c. We have bigger problems than worrying about rhinos.
d. We must save the rhinos for our children.
e. We must save the rhinos because it is the right thing to do.
Choice now: E
Choice in assignment 1: E
Notes: I think it is everyone's duty to protect rhinos, and I think more education is needed to make
people aware of the rhinos' significance to both humankind and the environment. Because doing so is
morally right, we must save rhinos. Because rhinos are God's animals, I think it is our duty as citizens and
guardians of this planet to safeguard their existence.
Additionally, the rhino has both intrinsic (simply because it is a rhino) and instrumental value to us Rhinos
attract tourists every year boosting our tourist industry the Rhino is important in the ecosystem and we
must conserve and protect them from extinction, we must protect them for future generations. If we
keep on adopting an anthropocentric view towards nature not only will the Rhino be extinct, but we will
have to explain to our children why we did not look after our planet the wildlife and our environment
resources. I think we should shift our minds towards a more non-anthropocentric view and respect the
fact that nature does not depend on us but we depend on nature and therefore saving the rhino is simply
the right thing to do.
3. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “In order to have the continued opportunity to
express their ‘generosity,’ the oppressors must perpetuate injustice as well.” (Paulo Freire) My
personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:
a. This is crazy ‘commie’ nonsense from Freire – it’s a disgrace that Unisa allows this rubbish to
appear in its official study material.
b. This is rubbish - if it were not for the essential goodness of the wealthy, the lives of the poor
would be so much worse than they already are.
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
extra per year?
