, SUS1501
ASSIGNMENT 8
(PORTFOLIO) SEMESTER 2
2026
DUE 8 OCTOBER 2026
Introduction
My aim in compiling this portfolio was to reflect on the things that have struck me throughout this
crazy module. When I first enrolled in SUS1501, I expected a straightforward ethics course that
would teach me the difference between right and wrong. What I encountered was something far
more challenging: a module that forced me to confront my own assumptions, question the systems
I take for granted, and grapple with uncomfortable truths about the world I live in.
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!" This
exercise was not merely academic. It was a personal journey. In some cases, my choices remained
the same, reflecting convictions that have only deepened. In other cases, my choices shifted,
sometimes dramatically, as I engaged with the theories we covered - deontology, consequentialism,
distributive justice, virtue ethics, and environmental ethics - and as I discussed these ideas with my
fellow students.
The discussions with peers were, for me, the most valuable part of the learning experience. Hearing
perspectives different from my own, being challenged on my assumptions, and having to articulate
and defend my positions forced me to think more deeply than any textbook could. One student's
argument about the limitations of philanthropy, another's defence of technological optimism, and
yet another's personal story of growing up in poverty all left lasting impressions on me.
Once I have done this, I will reflect on the entire learning process and draw some key conclusions
about this crazy module and about the things that really struck me. This portfolio is not just a
record of my answers; it is a snapshot of my intellectual and moral development over the course of
this semester.
, 1. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “ProPublica leaked IRS documents showing
that in 2011, Jeff Bezos did not pay any tax.” My personal opinion on this statement is most
closely described by:
a. Taxation is basically government stealing from people so good for Bezos
b. I’m sure he didn’t break the law.
c. Wait, wasn’t he the richest man in the world in 2011?
d. What about other billionaires I wonder?
e. This is just gross injustice, and we need to do something about it.
Choice now: e
Choice in assignment 1: e
Notes:
My original and current choice for this question remains option 'e'. This scenario presents a stark
illustration of distributive injustice. Distributive justice theories, particularly those inspired by John
Rawls, argue that a just society is one where economic inequalities are arranged to benefit the
least advantaged members of society (Rawls, 1971). The revelation that the world's wealthiest
individual paid zero tax in a single year, while many struggle to afford basic necessities, seems to fly
in the face of this principle. It suggests a system that is not only failing to redistribute wealth but is
actively allowing it to concentrate at the very top. My discussions with fellow students on this topic
were enlightening; one argued from a libertarian perspective that Bezos's wealth is his to keep as
he earned it legally. However, from a consequentialist viewpoint, a society with such extreme
inequality may ultimately suffer from instability and a lack of social cohesion, making the tax
avoidance harmful to the collective good. This is a gross injustice that demands action.
2. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “The water used by artificial intelligence is
expected to equal the needs of 1.3 billion people by 2030” (Shah, 2026). My personal opinion on
this statement is most closely described by:
a. So what? It rains doesn’t it?
b. I’m sure they will build the necessary infrastructure so that people will not be affected.
c. You can be pretty sure that they will not build sufficient water supply infrastructure to provide
this.
d. This is probably why they are moving data centres to developing countries – make it a problem
for poor people.
e. So, when I use AI to answer my SUS1501 assignments, I’m contributing to a global water crisis?
Choice now: e
Choice in assignment 1: e
Notes:
I chose option 'e' for both my original and current choice, and the latter part of the option - asking
if my own use of AI contributes to the crisis - is what makes it so compelling. This question forces a
personal confrontation with a global environmental issue. It moves the problem from being an
abstract corporate concern to a personal moral dilemma. Using AI for a university assignment
seems harmless, yet the statement reveals its hidden environmental cost. This connects directly to
environmental ethics, which requires us to consider the intrinsic value of the natural world and our
moral obligations to it (Brennan & Lo, 2016). My peer discussions highlighted this tension; some
ASSIGNMENT 8
(PORTFOLIO) SEMESTER 2
2026
DUE 8 OCTOBER 2026
Introduction
My aim in compiling this portfolio was to reflect on the things that have struck me throughout this
crazy module. When I first enrolled in SUS1501, I expected a straightforward ethics course that
would teach me the difference between right and wrong. What I encountered was something far
more challenging: a module that forced me to confront my own assumptions, question the systems
I take for granted, and grapple with uncomfortable truths about the world I live in.
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!" This
exercise was not merely academic. It was a personal journey. In some cases, my choices remained
the same, reflecting convictions that have only deepened. In other cases, my choices shifted,
sometimes dramatically, as I engaged with the theories we covered - deontology, consequentialism,
distributive justice, virtue ethics, and environmental ethics - and as I discussed these ideas with my
fellow students.
The discussions with peers were, for me, the most valuable part of the learning experience. Hearing
perspectives different from my own, being challenged on my assumptions, and having to articulate
and defend my positions forced me to think more deeply than any textbook could. One student's
argument about the limitations of philanthropy, another's defence of technological optimism, and
yet another's personal story of growing up in poverty all left lasting impressions on me.
Once I have done this, I will reflect on the entire learning process and draw some key conclusions
about this crazy module and about the things that really struck me. This portfolio is not just a
record of my answers; it is a snapshot of my intellectual and moral development over the course of
this semester.
, 1. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “ProPublica leaked IRS documents showing
that in 2011, Jeff Bezos did not pay any tax.” My personal opinion on this statement is most
closely described by:
a. Taxation is basically government stealing from people so good for Bezos
b. I’m sure he didn’t break the law.
c. Wait, wasn’t he the richest man in the world in 2011?
d. What about other billionaires I wonder?
e. This is just gross injustice, and we need to do something about it.
Choice now: e
Choice in assignment 1: e
Notes:
My original and current choice for this question remains option 'e'. This scenario presents a stark
illustration of distributive injustice. Distributive justice theories, particularly those inspired by John
Rawls, argue that a just society is one where economic inequalities are arranged to benefit the
least advantaged members of society (Rawls, 1971). The revelation that the world's wealthiest
individual paid zero tax in a single year, while many struggle to afford basic necessities, seems to fly
in the face of this principle. It suggests a system that is not only failing to redistribute wealth but is
actively allowing it to concentrate at the very top. My discussions with fellow students on this topic
were enlightening; one argued from a libertarian perspective that Bezos's wealth is his to keep as
he earned it legally. However, from a consequentialist viewpoint, a society with such extreme
inequality may ultimately suffer from instability and a lack of social cohesion, making the tax
avoidance harmful to the collective good. This is a gross injustice that demands action.
2. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “The water used by artificial intelligence is
expected to equal the needs of 1.3 billion people by 2030” (Shah, 2026). My personal opinion on
this statement is most closely described by:
a. So what? It rains doesn’t it?
b. I’m sure they will build the necessary infrastructure so that people will not be affected.
c. You can be pretty sure that they will not build sufficient water supply infrastructure to provide
this.
d. This is probably why they are moving data centres to developing countries – make it a problem
for poor people.
e. So, when I use AI to answer my SUS1501 assignments, I’m contributing to a global water crisis?
Choice now: e
Choice in assignment 1: e
Notes:
I chose option 'e' for both my original and current choice, and the latter part of the option - asking
if my own use of AI contributes to the crisis - is what makes it so compelling. This question forces a
personal confrontation with a global environmental issue. It moves the problem from being an
abstract corporate concern to a personal moral dilemma. Using AI for a university assignment
seems harmless, yet the statement reveals its hidden environmental cost. This connects directly to
environmental ethics, which requires us to consider the intrinsic value of the natural world and our
moral obligations to it (Brennan & Lo, 2016). My peer discussions highlighted this tension; some
