Step 1: Set the scene
IT'S UPSETTING, ISN'T IT?
Yes, the situation of child labour in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC) is very upsetting, considering that children are enduring harsh work
conditions and being deprived of education and prospects for a brighter future. The
ideals of social justice and human rights are violated when vulnerable minors are
exploited, which is a serious breach of their rights. It is crucial to strive for the
elimination of child labour and advocate for more ethical and sustainable practices in
global supply chains.
Step 2: Answer the following questions:
A. WHICH IS THE MOST LIKELY UTILITARIAN OPTION IN THE MULTIPLE-
CHOICE QUESTION ABOVE?
The most likely utilitarian option in the given multiple-choice question is C. This is
just a fact of global supply chains and is necessary for global economic growth,
which is in everyone's best interest.
B. WHY DO YOU SAY THIS?
This choice gives importance to the worldwide economic growth that comes from
mining cobalt, a material used in many industries. The utilitarian viewpoint aims to
maximize overall happiness or well-being for most people. Taking a utilitarian
viewpoint, the benefits obtained from the cobalt mining industry may be deemed
more significant than the adverse consequences of child labour when considering
the overall impact.
Premise 1: Utilitarianism focuses on achieving the greatest overall happiness or well-
being for the greatest number of people.
Premise 2: Global economic growth promotes the overall well-being and happiness
of people by creating opportunities for employment, trade, and improved living
standards.
Premise 3: The mining of cobalt in the DRC contributes to global economic growth
by supplying a crucial raw material for various industries, which in turn benefits
people worldwide.
Premise 4: Recognizing the existence of child labour in cobalt mining does not imply
approval or support of it but rather highlights the awareness that it currently exists in
global supply chains.
Conclusion: Considering these premises, option C aligns with a utilitarian viewpoint
as it acknowledges the existence of child labour but emphasizes the necessity of
global supply chains and economic growth for the greater well-being of people
worldwide. It takes into account the positive consequences of these endeavours,
even though they may involve morally problematic aspects such as child labour.
IT'S UPSETTING, ISN'T IT?
Yes, the situation of child labour in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (DRC) is very upsetting, considering that children are enduring harsh work
conditions and being deprived of education and prospects for a brighter future. The
ideals of social justice and human rights are violated when vulnerable minors are
exploited, which is a serious breach of their rights. It is crucial to strive for the
elimination of child labour and advocate for more ethical and sustainable practices in
global supply chains.
Step 2: Answer the following questions:
A. WHICH IS THE MOST LIKELY UTILITARIAN OPTION IN THE MULTIPLE-
CHOICE QUESTION ABOVE?
The most likely utilitarian option in the given multiple-choice question is C. This is
just a fact of global supply chains and is necessary for global economic growth,
which is in everyone's best interest.
B. WHY DO YOU SAY THIS?
This choice gives importance to the worldwide economic growth that comes from
mining cobalt, a material used in many industries. The utilitarian viewpoint aims to
maximize overall happiness or well-being for most people. Taking a utilitarian
viewpoint, the benefits obtained from the cobalt mining industry may be deemed
more significant than the adverse consequences of child labour when considering
the overall impact.
Premise 1: Utilitarianism focuses on achieving the greatest overall happiness or well-
being for the greatest number of people.
Premise 2: Global economic growth promotes the overall well-being and happiness
of people by creating opportunities for employment, trade, and improved living
standards.
Premise 3: The mining of cobalt in the DRC contributes to global economic growth
by supplying a crucial raw material for various industries, which in turn benefits
people worldwide.
Premise 4: Recognizing the existence of child labour in cobalt mining does not imply
approval or support of it but rather highlights the awareness that it currently exists in
global supply chains.
Conclusion: Considering these premises, option C aligns with a utilitarian viewpoint
as it acknowledges the existence of child labour but emphasizes the necessity of
global supply chains and economic growth for the greater well-being of people
worldwide. It takes into account the positive consequences of these endeavours,
even though they may involve morally problematic aspects such as child labour.
