Portfolio Assignment

SUS1501 – Sustainability and Greed

Student Number: 69820473
Date: 10 October 2023
Teaching Assistant Name: Zak Asmal

Declaration:

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.

Instructions:

 Please read the instructions on myUnisa carefully.

 Please download the most up-to-date version of this template from your group site on myUnisa.

 Go through the MCQs again, and record your current choice in the template (we suggest that
you don’t look at your original choices before you have been through all questions)

 For each question, record your original choice in assignment 1.

 Write a note of AT LEAST 100 words for each of the five (5) questions that are written in red.

 Write a note of AT LEAST 100 words each for any other five (5) questions of your choice.

 Write your conclusion of AT LEAST 500 words

 Somewhere within your notes and/or conclusion there must be meaningful references to the
major theories that we covered (deontology, consequentialism, distributive justice, virtue ethics
and environmental ethics).

 Your notes and conclusion should also make reference to discussions with fellow students that
you found meaningful.

 Save the file as a Word document with a short name (myUnisa will reject files with long names).
  Submit this file into the Assignments tool on myUnisa.

 Take a screen grab of the final submission acknowledgement on myUnisa and save this
somewhere safe in case of any disputes.

 Check under the Assignments tool that there is a date in the “Processed” cell for the SUS1501
Portfolio.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST – i.e. if you do not fulfill ALL of these you will NOT pass this
portfolio:

1. Correct template version used

2. All 20 multiple choice question original answers captured

3. All 20 multiple choice question answers now captured

4. Notes for the five (5) questions in red

5. Notes for AT LEAST five (5) other questions of your choice

6. Each note AT LEAST 100 words long

7. Conclusion present

8. Conclusion AT LEAST 500 words long

 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) “Why do some people have to be miserably poor in
order that others can be extravagantly rich? I speak for all the children in the world who don't even
have a piece of bread.” (Fidel Castro) My personal opinion on this statement, is most closely
described by:

a. Who cares what Castro said? He was an ideological dinosaur anyway.

b. Wealth and poverty are unrelated phenomena.

c. Well perhaps the rich should just stop all their charity and we’ll see where this leaves the
ungrateful poor.

d. Well on a simple technical level, the answer to this is poverty and wealth are both relative
so it’s just not possible for there to be someone rich without someone who is relatively
poor.

e. I think this is the wrong question. The right question is: “How do we prevent people being
extravagantly rich while others are miserably poor?”

Choice now: b

Choice in assignment 1: e

Notes:
Upon revisiting Fidel Castro’s poignant statement, I initially resonated with choice e, emphasizing the
imperative of addressing wealth disparity and advocating for preventive measures to ensure that
extreme wealth doesn’t coexist with abject poverty. This perspective underscored the importance of
proactive measures and systemic changes to promote economic equity and social justice.

However, upon deeper contemplation and careful reconsideration, option (b) now aligns more closely
with my beliefs. It suggests that wealth and poverty may not always be directly linked or interdependent
phenomena. This revised viewpoint acknowledges that the relationship between wealth and poverty is
intricate and influenced by multifaceted factors, including economic systems, policy frameworks, and
individual circumstances.

I’ve come to appreciate that addressing poverty involves a complex understanding of its root causes and
necessitates comprehensive, nuanced solutions. While wealth distribution is undoubtedly a critical
aspect, viewing poverty solely through the lens of wealth abundance oversimplifies the issue. It’s
imperative to consider various socioeconomic factors and their impact on poverty, thereby shaping a
more informed and holistic perspective.

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:

My stance on the imperative to “Save the rhino!!” aligns with choice e: “We must save the rhinos
because it is the right thing to do.” This conviction remains unchanged from my initial assignment,
reflecting my strong belief in the moral responsibility to protect endangered species like rhinos. Rhinos,
among many other species, are facing the threat of extinction due to poaching, habitat loss, and other
human-induced factors.
Preserving the rhino population isn’t just an ethical duty but also crucial for maintaining biodiversity and
ecological balance. Each species has intrinsic value and a role within the ecosystem, and safeguarding
rhinos contributes to the overall health and stability of our planet’s natural systems. It’s about honoring
the sanctity of life and recognizing our duty to be responsible stewards of the environment, ensuring a
sustainable and harmonious coexistence with all living beings.

3. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “If the present growth trends in world population,
industrialization, pollution, food production, and resource depletion continue unchanged, the limits
to growth on this planet will be reached sometime within the next one hundred years. The most
probable result will be a rather sudden and uncontrollable decline in both population and industrial
capacity.” (The Limits to Growth, 1972) My personal opinion on this statement is most closely
described by:

a. I don’t believe this tale of doom.

b. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast, but I don’t think this is a problem as there
is plenty of time to find technological solutions to problems that emerge

c. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. The first priority in solving this is to put the
brakes on human population growth.

d. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. The first priority in solving this is for rich
people to reduce their consumption significantly.

e. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. The first priority is for poor people to not
have more kids than they can afford.

f. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. And frankly I don’t see any solution
because increasing consumption is the basis of our economic growth.

Choice now: a

Choice in assignment 1: c

Notes:

Upon revisiting the statement regarding potential consequences linked to present growth trends, my
perspective has shifted to option (a): "I don't believe this tale of doom." In my initial assignment, I
leaned towards choice (c), suggesting that addressing human population growth should be a priority in
solving the issue of resource consumption.
However, with further reflection and consideration of evolving perspectives, I have become more
optimistic about humanity's capacity to innovate and adapt. While acknowledging the challenges posed
by rapid population growth and resource depletion, I believe in our ability to develop technological
advancements and sustainable practices to mitigate these concerns.

Skepticism regarding an outright doomsday scenario allows room for hope and emphasizes the
importance of proactive measures and collaboration. It encourages us to work collectively towards
sustainable development, fostering responsible consumption, implementing sound environmental
policies, and promoting innovation to ensure a harmonious balance between human progress and the
preservation of our planet's resources.

4. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “Investment under neo-colonialism increases rather
than decreases the gap between rich and poor countries.” (Kwame Nkrumah) My personal opinion
on this statement, is most closely described by:

a. Get over colonialism now!!!!

b. It’s irresponsible messages like these that frighten foreign investors away from Africa.

c. Colonialism died off decades ago. Why are you still talking about this.

d. Absolutely. As Thomas Sankara said: “debt is a cleverly managed re-conquest of Africa”

e. This is all managed through ratings agencies who have much more say in the decisions a
government takes than the citizens of the country.

Choice now: b

Choice in assignment 1: d

Notes:

Upon reflecting on the assertion about investment under neo-colonialism, my current perspective aligns
with option (b): “It’s irresponsible messages like these that frighten foreign investors away from Africa.”
In my initial assignment, I leaned towards option (d), resonating with the idea that debt perpetuates a
form of re-conquest of African nations, as stated by Thomas Sankara.

However, upon reconsideration, I’ve come to recognize the importance of fostering an environment that
encourages foreign investment while addressing historical concerns responsibly. Utilizing rhetoric that
may deter potential investors can hinder economic growth and development, especially in regions like
Africa that seek investment for progress.
It's essential to acknowledge the lasting impacts of colonialism and work towards fair and equitable
partnerships, ensuring that investments contribute to the growth and development of the countries
involved without perpetuating historical inequalities. Striking a balance between addressing historical
injustices and promoting responsible investment is crucial for fostering sustainable development and
economic prosperity.

5. (YOU MUST WRITE NOTES ON THIS QUESTION) “It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the
end of capitalism.” (Mark Fisher) My personal opinion on this statement, is most closely described
by:

a. Who cares?

b. This is what comes from a world population that believes that the path to enlightenment is
Twitter.

c. Capitalism is absolutely the only viable economic system, so yes, this is true and right.

d. I had never thought of this, but as unreasonable as this might sound, it is actually so true.

e. I think that we need to work on our imagination then because this is clearly absurd.

Choice now: c

Choice in assignment 1: d

Notes:

Upon revisiting the statement regarding the potential end of capitalism, my current perspective aligns
with option (c): "Capitalism is undoubtedly the only viable economic system, making this assertion
accurate and fitting." In my initial assignment, my inclination leaned towards option (d), where I
acknowledged the truth in the statement.

However, upon further contemplation, a deeper understanding of capitalism's adaptability and

resilience has evolved. It's evident that capitalism has demonstrated its capacity to endure and
transform in response to societal shifts and technological advancements over time. This adaptability
underscores its enduring nature.

While it's important to remain open to exploring various economic and social systems and their
potential evolution, acknowledging the effectiveness and flexibility of capitalism is essential.
Encouraging innovation within the framework of a free market can propel progress and result in
enhanced societal outcomes. Thus, it remains evident that capitalism stands as a fundamental and
viable economic system.

6. "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: d

Choice in assignment 1: e

Notes:

In reflecting on the statement concerning the relationship between wealth and poverty, my current
perspective aligns with option (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.” In my initial assignment, I favored option €, urging action against poverty due to this very
relationship.

After further contemplation, I’ve come to appreciate the fundamental economic principle at the core of
this statement. The finite nature of global wealth implies that an imbalance in its distribution directly
impacts others, leading to discrepancies between the affluent and impoverished. Recognizing this truth
emphasizes the necessity for equitable wealth distribution and addressing systemic issues that
perpetuate poverty.

While advocating for action and working towards alleviating poverty is essential, acknowledging the
inherent truth in this statement underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure a more just and
balanced distribution of resources and opportunities.
7. “I didn’t join the struggle to be poor.” (Smuts Ngonyama) My personal opinion on this statement is
most closely described by:

a. Me neither.

b. No one joins the struggle to be poor.

c. It is this sort of attitude that has led to widespread corruption.

d. This is counter-revolutionary – you don’t solve oppression by becoming an oppressor.

Choice now: d

Choice in assignment 1: b

Notes:

My current perspective on the statement, “I didn’t join the struggle to be poor” aligns with option (d):
“This is counter-revolutionary – you don’t solve oppression by becoming an oppressor.” In my initial
assignment, I selected option (b), emphasizing that no one joins a struggle with the intent to be poor.

However, upon further reflection, I recognize the importance of maintaining the principles and values
that fuel a struggle for justice and equality. Straying from these principles in the pursuit of personal gain
can undermine the very essence of the struggle and perpetuate a cycle of oppression. Option (d) reflects
this understanding, highlighting the need to remain true to the cause and avoid adopting oppressive
behaviors in the pursuit of personal success. It’s vital to uphold the integrity of the struggle and work
towards a more just society without compromising the core values that initiated the fight for change.

8. “Even before COVID, one out of every five South Africans lived below the food poverty line.” My
personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. Who cares?

b. If population growth rates of the poor were not so high they wouldn’t be so poor.

c. If they worked harder, they wouldn't be so poor.

d. This is sad, but to be honest, it is not going to stop me from focusing on my own wellbeing
first.

e. I think that we must all strive to eliminate poverty together.

Choice now: b

Choice in assignment 1: e
Notes:

In considering the statement about food poverty in South Africa, my current stance aligns with option
(b): "If population growth rates of the poor were not so high they wouldn’t be so poor." This is a shift
from my initial choice of option (e), where I emphasized the importance of collective efforts to eliminate
poverty.

Upon further reflection and taking various factors into account, I now recognize the relationship
between population growth rates and poverty levels. Addressing population growth rates, in addition to
implementing supportive policies and creating opportunities for economic growth, is crucial in
effectively reducing poverty. Sustainable solutions that focus on education, healthcare, and economic
development can break the cycle of poverty, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for many
individuals and families. Balancing population growth while uplifting the socio-economic conditions of
communities is essential for combating food poverty and achieving sustainable progress.

9. “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: c

Choice in assignment 1: e

Notes:

My current perspective on the statement regarding cobalt mining in the DRC aligns with option ©: “This
is just a fact of global supply chains and necessary for global economic growth, which is in everyone’s
best interest.” In my initial assignment, I chose option €, emphasizing the moral wrongness of child labor
and exploitation.
However, upon further reflection and considering the intricate dynamics of global supply chains, I
recognize the complex nature of the issue. While child labor and exploitation are deeply concerning,
global supply chains often rely on resources like cobalt to sustain economic growth. This doesn’t justify
the exploitation but highlights the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the ethical
concerns and economic dependencies.

Efforts should focus on improving working conditions, advocating for fair labor practices, and ensuring
that the benefits of resource extraction are more equitably distributed within the affected communities.
Balancing ethical considerations with the demands of global economies is essential to work towards a
more just and sustainable future.

10. “Of the top 10 wealthiest people (all men), seven are tech billionaires. Their net worth is US$ 847
billion or ZAR 13 trillion!” My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. I think that such wealth is utterly immoral when there is so much poverty and suffering in
the world and so active steps should be taken to correct this.

b. These billionaires are all tech visionaries and deserve every cent of their wealth because of
their brilliance.

c. Why would anyone want or need that amount of money?

d. These are my heroes. I aspire to be like them.

e. Bill Gates is one of them and look at how much money he is giving to the poor through the
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Choice now: e

Choice in assignment 1: c

Notes:

My current perspective on the statement about the wealth of the top 10 wealthiest individuals,
predominantly tech billionaires, aligns with option €: “Bill Gates is one of them and look at how much
money he is giving to the poor through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.” In my initial assignment,
I chose option ©, questioning the necessity of accumulating such immense wealth.

Upon further reflection, I recognize the importance of acknowledging philanthropic efforts, especially
when individuals with substantial wealth contribute to initiatives that address poverty and various
societal challenges. Philanthropy can play a crucial role in making a positive impact and leveraging
resources for the greater good.
However, this does not negate the need for critical examination of wealth distribution and systemic
issues that perpetuate disparities. Efforts should be made to address income inequality, implement fair
taxation, and advocate for responsible business practices to ensure a more equitable society. Balancing
philanthropy with addressing the root causes of poverty is essential for sustainable change and a better
future.

11. “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.

c. So let me get this straight – Freire is saying that in order for some to continue being
generous (like Bill Gates), wealth AND poverty need to be sustained? I’m going to have to
think about this.

d. Freire is absolutely right - all this ‘generosity’ just makes rich people look like the heroes
when actually they are the villains.

e. How can you possibly say something as ungrateful as option d?

Choice now: Option d

Choice in assignment 1: Option c

Notes:

12. “Show me a great fortune and I’ll show you a great crime.” (a translation from Honoré de Balzac) My
personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. Clearly Balzac had taken too much hashish when he wrote that!

b. It is completely possible to make a fortune by legal means – in fact this is what I intend to do
in my life.

c. I don't care - watch out Elon Musk, here I come!

d. I think that this is absolutely true.

 e. Even if great fortunes are acquired in a technically legal way, they are always morally
problematic.

Choice now: Option c

Choice in assignment 1: Option e

Notes:

13. “It is estimated that humans are consuming natural resource at a rate that is 30% above the renewal
rate. If we continue to consume in this way we are likely to suffer dire consequences which could
include extinction.” My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast, but I don’t think this is a problem as there
is plenty of time to find technological solutions to problems that emerge

b. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. The first priority in solving this is to put the
brakes on human population growth.

c. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. The first priority in solving this is for rich
people to reduce their consumption significantly.

d. Yes we are consuming natural resources too fast. And frankly I don’t see any solution
because increasing consumption is the basis of our economic growth.

e. I don’t believe this tale of doom.

Choice now: Option c

Choice in assignment 1: Option b

Notes:

14. “Imagine you find out that some students get together, buy good assignments from previous years
and submit them as their own.” My personal opinion about this practice is most closely described
by:

a. I have heard that Unisa might be using sophisticated plagiarism detecting software like
Turnitin and, if this is the case, the chances of getting caught are just too great. I don't want
to get into trouble.

b. Not only will I participate, I am going to be the one who sells assignments next year for cash.

c. I am not sure what the rules say but if this is against the rules I won’t do it.

d. I am not sure what is the right thing to do here or what is expected of me now that I know
this?
 e. The problem with cheating is that it undermines everyone's qualification, not just those who
are participating

f. Someone needs to report this because it is intellectual fraud, and that someone is going to
be me.

Choice now: Option a

Choice in assignment 1: Option e

Notes:

15. “It’s a fact! You cannot expect to have economic growth when there is the threat of expropriation
without compensation.” (van der Merwe) My personal opinion on this statement is most closely
described by:

a. Obviously!

b. I don’t know about economic growth, but those who wrote the Constitution of South Africa
knew what they were doing so private property is sacred and must be respected at all cost.

c. The notion of private property is a western individualist notion.

d. Hmmmm …. you have to admit that the economies of the north grew very handsomely on
the basis of expropriation without compensation? So this is not an immutable natural law.
It's just how the rules are currently structured right?

Choice now: Option b

Choice in assignment 1: Option d

Notes:

16. “Every day some 20,000 children die prematurely from poverty related causes, mostly treatable
diseases.” My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. Who cares?

b. It’s hard to say it, but given the rising human population, perhaps this is a blessing in
disguise for the human species as a whole

c. It’s hard to say it, but this just means less people competing with me for scarce
opportunities and resources.

d. This is morally wrong, but practically, I think that it would cost too much money to solve
 e. It is morally unacceptable for a single child to die of a preventable disease and we should
collectively fix this irrespective of the cost.

Choice now: Option e

Choice in assignment 1: Option e

Notes:

17. “In the 2018/2019 financial year, Bob van Dijk, the CEO of Naspers earned a total remuneration
(salary, incentives and options) of R 1.9 billion.” My personal opinion on this statement is most
closely described by:

a. Good for him – he worked hard to earn this.

b. The only problem I have with this is that this money is in van Dijk’s bank account and not in
mine.

c. No problem with this. I'm sure van Dijk donates huge amounts to charity.

d. I think that it is morally wrong for anyone to earn that much money.

e. I think that active steps should be taken to correct such immoral executive remuneration
practices

Choice now: Option c

Choice in assignment 1: Option e

Notes:

18. “Unless fossil-fuel use slows dramatically, the earth’s average temperature could rise by six degrees
Celsius in the next 100 years.” My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. Who cares?

b. I don’t believe this climate change nonsense

c. Six degrees will make winters much more bearable to me personally

d. I’m a bit concerned about this, but there is nothing that I can do about it

e. I’m a bit concerned about this, but why should I invest my personal time, effort or money in
solving a general social problem

f. I think that individually we can and should strive to solve this problem for the greater good
Choice now: Option f

Choice in assignment 1: Option f

Notes:

19. “If arctic ice melting continues, we are likely to see the loss of two thirds of the world's polar bear
population within 50 years.” My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:

a. Why should we worry?

b. If it boils down to choosing between driving a luxury SUV and worrying about polar bears I’ll
take the car any day.

c. While this is sad, polar bears aren’t really very important to my personal welfare which is my
primary concern.

d. While this is sad, polar bears aren’t really very important to general human social welfare.

e. I don’t think polar bears are all that important to human welfare. However, their plight is a
symptom of climate change which is a big problem to future human welfare.

f. I think it is morally unacceptable for humans to put their interests ahead of the rights of
other species like polar bears.

Choice now: Option f

Choice in assignment 1: Option e

Notes:

20. “Austerity: the billionaires in business have convinced the millionaires in government that the
working poor are the root cause of all problems ” My personal opinion of what should be done, is
most closely described by:

a. As Julius Malema says: “Bloody agents”

b. And then the Houses of Parliament get burned down because ‘the root cause of all
problems’ was solved by the millionaires in government’ retrenching security guards.

c. And then the billionaires in business declare the millionaires in government incompetent
when the Houses of Parliament get burned down.

d. This is typical labour union clap-trap.

e. As Bill Gates says: “If you were born poor it’s not your mistake. But if you die poor it’s your
mistake.”
Choice now: Option c

Choice in assignment 1: Option b

Notes:

Summary
Number unchanged: <Insert number of questions where the answers were the same here> 3
unchanged

Number changed: <Insert number of questions where the answers were different here> 17
changed

Conclusion

To conclude, looking at the preceding sections of this portfolio, the most important things which I
learned in this module were: <complete this in a few paragraphs.

NB: This should be the most substantial comment in this portfolio and must give us a clear indication
whether you have thought deeply about this module. It should be at least 500 words long. >

This module on ethics has been an enlightening journey, providing me with a deep understanding of
fundamental ethical theories like deontology, consequentialism, distributive justice, virtue ethics, and
environmental ethics. These theories serve as guiding frameworks for assessing moral actions and
decisions. Each theory brings its own perspective to the table, allowing for a thorough examination of
ethical implications in various scenarios. Through this process, I have indeed grasped the essence of
ethical considerations and cultivated a robust foundation for ethical analysis.

Deontology, with its emphasis on duty and adherence to rules, was a revelation. Understanding that
certain actions are inherently right or wrong, irrespective of their outcomes, challenged my previous
understanding of ethics. Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative, a key aspect of deontological ethics,
particularly resonated with me. It introduced me to the concept of universal moral principles, which was
a shift in my ethical paradigm.
Consequentialism, on the flip side, advocated that the consequences of actions determine their ethical
standing. The principle of the greatest happiness, often linked with utilitarianism, underscored the
significance of maximizing overall well-being. This theory pushed me to consider the broader impact of
actions and balance individual interests with the greater good.

Distributive justice emerged as a crucial aspect of ethical reflection. It compelled me to confront societal
inequalities and grapple with the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. The theories by
John Rawls, especially the difference principle, shed light on the necessity of establishing a just society,
where benefits are extended to the least advantaged members.

Virtue ethics encouraged a more profound reflection on personal character and moral virtues. Aristotle's
concept of eudaimonia, focusing on flourishing through virtuous living, encouraged me to ponder on the
development of virtuous traits and their role in ethical decision-making.

In the realm of environmental ethics, a topic exceedingly relevant in today's world, I became acutely
aware of the interconnection between humanity and nature. Acknowledging our moral responsibilities
towards the environment and future generations became a pivotal learning point. The theories of deep
ecology and anthropocentrism presented contrasting perspectives on our relationship with nature,
pushing me to contemplate sustainability and ethical stewardship.

Engaging in discussions with fellow students was a highlight of this learning experience. These dialogues
provided a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives and interpretations of the ethical theories we studied.
Debating the ethical implications of wealth disparity, resource allocation, and environmental
degradation was particularly thought-provoking. Hearing various viewpoints enhanced my critical
thinking and sharpened my ability to articulate my own stance on ethical issues.

In conclusion, this module has been transformative, honing my ethical framework and elevating my
ability to analyze ethical challenges through different theoretical lenses. The understanding I have
gained from studying deontology, consequentialism, distributive justice, virtue ethics, and
environmental ethics equips me with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the intricate landscape of
ethics. It urges me to approach ethical dilemmas with a discerning mind, taking into account duties,
consequences, fairness, virtues, and our collective responsibility towards the environment. This journey
has not only enriched my academic experience but has also left an indelible mark on my personal ethos,
compelling me to approach life's dilemmas with heightened ethical consciousness.