ASSIGNMENT 03 SUS1501
1. Which is the most likely utilitarian option?
From my own understanding, I think the most utilitarian option is E: “I think that we must all strive to
eliminate poverty together.”
2. Why do I say this? My premises
My conclusion is that Option E fits utilitarian thinking the best.
Premise 1: Utilitarianism is about trying to create the greatest amount of happiness and reduce
suffering for the largest number of people.
Premise 2: People who live below the food poverty line do not have enough money to meet their
basic food needs, which leads to hunger, stress and a lower quality of life.
Premise 3: Poverty does not only affect one person. It also affects families, especially children, and
even whole communities because it can lead to poor health, lack of opportunities and ongoing
hardship.
Premise 4: If people in society work together to reduce poverty, then more people can have their
basic needs met and live better lives.
Conclusion: So, from a utilitarian point of view, it makes sense that we should try to reduce or
eliminate poverty because it improves the wellbeing of many people and reduces suffering. That is
why I believe Option E is the most utilitarian answer.
3. What do I feel about this option?
Personally, I feel that Option E is the most reasonable and human response. Poverty is not something
I can just ignore or see as normal. When I think about people who cannot even afford basic food, it
really makes me realise how unequal life can be. The fact that the food poverty line is so low
compared to what people actually need also makes the situation feel even more serious to me.
I know I cannot fix poverty on my own, but I still feel that I have a responsibility to care about other
people. Helping others does not always mean giving money directly. It can also mean supporting
systems that create jobs, improving education, or making sure people have access to basic needs. To
me, Option E shows both care and responsibility, and that is why I agree with it emotionally and
morally.
4. Which option did I choose and why?
I personally chose Option E: “I think that we must all strive to eliminate poverty together.”
I chose this because I believe poverty is not just an individual problem. When one in five people in
South Africa is living below the food poverty line, it shows that this is a serious social issue, not just a
personal failure. People are born into very different circumstances, and not everyone has the same
opportunities in life.
I do understand why some people might choose Option D, because it is natural to first focus on your
own survival and your family’s wellbeing. I also believe self-care is important. However, I do not think
that caring about myself means I should stop caring about others who are struggling. Both can exist
together.
The comparison between the food poverty line and the child support grant also stood out to me. It
made me question how families are expected to survive when the support they receive is less than
what is needed for basic food. That really shows how difficult life can be for many people.
I chose Option E because I believe society functions better when people do not only think about
themselves. Government has a big role to play, but so do ordinary people, businesses and
communities. Even small actions like creating opportunities, supporting education, or speaking out
about inequality can make a difference.
1. Which is the most likely utilitarian option?
From my own understanding, I think the most utilitarian option is E: “I think that we must all strive to
eliminate poverty together.”
2. Why do I say this? My premises
My conclusion is that Option E fits utilitarian thinking the best.
Premise 1: Utilitarianism is about trying to create the greatest amount of happiness and reduce
suffering for the largest number of people.
Premise 2: People who live below the food poverty line do not have enough money to meet their
basic food needs, which leads to hunger, stress and a lower quality of life.
Premise 3: Poverty does not only affect one person. It also affects families, especially children, and
even whole communities because it can lead to poor health, lack of opportunities and ongoing
hardship.
Premise 4: If people in society work together to reduce poverty, then more people can have their
basic needs met and live better lives.
Conclusion: So, from a utilitarian point of view, it makes sense that we should try to reduce or
eliminate poverty because it improves the wellbeing of many people and reduces suffering. That is
why I believe Option E is the most utilitarian answer.
3. What do I feel about this option?
Personally, I feel that Option E is the most reasonable and human response. Poverty is not something
I can just ignore or see as normal. When I think about people who cannot even afford basic food, it
really makes me realise how unequal life can be. The fact that the food poverty line is so low
compared to what people actually need also makes the situation feel even more serious to me.
I know I cannot fix poverty on my own, but I still feel that I have a responsibility to care about other
people. Helping others does not always mean giving money directly. It can also mean supporting
systems that create jobs, improving education, or making sure people have access to basic needs. To
me, Option E shows both care and responsibility, and that is why I agree with it emotionally and
morally.
4. Which option did I choose and why?
I personally chose Option E: “I think that we must all strive to eliminate poverty together.”
I chose this because I believe poverty is not just an individual problem. When one in five people in
South Africa is living below the food poverty line, it shows that this is a serious social issue, not just a
personal failure. People are born into very different circumstances, and not everyone has the same
opportunities in life.
I do understand why some people might choose Option D, because it is natural to first focus on your
own survival and your family’s wellbeing. I also believe self-care is important. However, I do not think
that caring about myself means I should stop caring about others who are struggling. Both can exist
together.
The comparison between the food poverty line and the child support grant also stood out to me. It
made me question how families are expected to survive when the support they receive is less than
what is needed for basic food. That really shows how difficult life can be for many people.
I chose Option E because I believe society functions better when people do not only think about
themselves. Government has a big role to play, but so do ordinary people, businesses and
communities. Even small actions like creating opportunities, supporting education, or speaking out
about inequality can make a difference.
