By submitting this portfolio, I implicitly declare that this is my own work except for the
“Introduction” which was kindly written for me by my lecturer.
I am aware that if ANY unacknowledged copying is detected in ANY answer, I will get 0 (zero)
for the entire assignment.
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. "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.This is very true and given how much poverty there is we ought to do something about
it
Choice in assignment 1: 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.
Notes:
When I think back on the difference Principle, it says that inequalities should be done in such a way that
they benefit the least advantaged persons. We should strive to eliminate poverty, as it leads to other
problems i.e. higher crime rates.
2 . Save the rhino! ; My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:
a. Why?
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:D
Choice in assignment 1:D
Notes: At the rate we are going it won’t be too long before we have organizations taking donations to
Save the Seagulls, and trying to create habitat for coyotes and rabbits because they are disappearing. No
one quite realizes the true magnificence of a 5000 pound wild animal unless they can get close enough
to lay a hand on it. That kind of experience can change a child’s life and IMO should be a required part of
every kid’s education.We tend to ignore the fact that humans have habitat requirements just like all the
rest of the animal kingdom. If one species is declining to extinction it is a universal fact that human
habitat is being affected too. Sooner or later the extinctions we cause will impact the world in ways that
are detrimental to human habitat… and we will wonder what happened as our grandchildren lie gasping
for breath or begging for the last drop of water that we have just sucked down for ourselves.
3. .“60% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the DRC. Significant amounts of this is mined under appalling
conditions often by child labourers.” My personal opinion on this statement is most closely
described by:
a. What’s cobalt got to do with to me?
b. The DRC is a long way from where I live so I don’t really care.
c. This is just a fact of global supply chains and necessary for global economic growth, which is
in everyone’s best interest.
d. I wonder who is profiting out of this?
e. It breaks my heart to see children exploited. This is morally wrong and must not be allowed.
Choice now:D It seems like only minority benefits from this
Choice in assignment 1: B Actually I don’t care what DRC does
Notes: The issues of DRC are not that different from other developing countries. The blessing and the
curse of DRC are that many outside parties want a piece of their $ 24 trillion assets in mineral resources.
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