University Assignment: Solutions to Global Issues Discussions 1 & 2

This assignment comprises two discussion posts addressing global issues from a philosophical perspective. The first discussion examines world hunger statistics, focusing on Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and identifies poverty and poor infrastructure as primary causes. It then explores the potential of biotechnology, specifically genetically modified seeds, while acknowledging limitations like disease outbreaks and ethical questions surrounding human gene alteration. The second discussion delves into Aristotle's concept of virtue, emphasizing the role of reason and habit in achieving virtuous actions as a mean between extremes. It applies this framework to the issue of solitary confinement, and then contrasts Aristotle's view with Augustine's concept of happiness, which emphasizes finding a 'chief good' and following a virtuous path, ultimately leading to perfection through God.

Running head: SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL ISSUES
Solutions to Global Issues
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

1SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL ISSUES
Discussion 1
Considering the world hunger statistics, Asia is that continent where two thirds of the
total population suffer from hunger. Moreover, the parts of Sub Saharan has the highest number
of undernourished people where 1 out of every 4 people are said to suffer (foodaidfoundation.org
2019). The global scenario of hunger always points out Africa to be one of the countries with
highest food scarcity.
Out of the many reasons poverty and poor infrastructure lead to hunger problem. Both the
developed and developing countries face the problem of poverty where many communities have
an income level that could not suffice most of their requirements. The maximum people who
falls in this category are the farmers who has scarcity of land to grow proper food, or even afford
to sustain themselves (bread.org 2019). Poor infrastructure being the other problem has also
contributed to global hunger. Many a time, the lack of proper transport facilities, irrigational
problem, lack of technologies, etc. have resulted in less supply of food materials to the areas
where it needs the most (bread.org 2019).
The rapid progress in biotechnology has certainly paved way for new researches that
could put an end to the global hunger. The genetically modified seeds can be used for growing
crops that has both economj0iically and environmentally sustainability. However, there are
some limitations to biotechnology which can lead to the arousal of various problems like disease
outbreaks including Ebola and Zika virus (foodaidfoundation.org 2019).
Research on biotechnology has further implications as it has raised some important
ethical questions. For instance whether alteration of human genes is morally correct or not.
Moreover, it also invites some diseases like Alzheimer’s in the process of the experimentation.

2SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL ISSUES
However, considering all the implications, a country needs to carry out its experimentation
regarding biotechnology, as it has some of the major global solution including food shortage and
environmental challenges (futureoflife.org 2019).
Discussion 2
Aristotle has described how reason determines right action considering the rationality of
human nature. The reason is nurtured and inculcated over a long period of time which is affected
by a number of circumstances including the growing up, societal condition, the education s/he
has received, etc. that will help to reason a situation justly. The virtuous action of a person acts
as a mean between the two extremes – deficiency and surplus that make vices. Humans are prone
to acquire virtue through habit for a prolonged period of time. This is what helps a person to
respond towards certain situations like pain and pleasure by means of appropriate attitude
(Kotzee, Carter and Siegel 2019).
Solitary confinement is one of the popular form of punishment that is prevalent
worldwide. From a prisoner’s viewpoint, it becomes exceedingly prone to depression and anxiety
that might even lead to suicidal tendencies.
According to Aristotle, the happiness can be derived with the gradual development of our
reason. Moreover, one has to understand the underlying essence of a particular action that can be
utilized for deriving happiness.
Augustine’s happiness concept claims that a person has to find the chief good in her/his
life that can lead to happiness. It entirely depends on the person to find this “chief good” which
will make one truly happy. Similarly, the virtue leads to perfection that is ultimately achieved by

3SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL ISSUES
following God. The Supreme Being, who lays down the virtuous path can be followed to gain
happiness.
References
bread.org 2019. What Causes Hunger. [online] Bread for the World. Available at:
https://www.bread.org/what-causes-hunger [Accessed 10 Aug. 2019].
Kotzee, B., Carter, J.A. and Siegel, H., 2019. Educating for Intellectual Virtue: a critique from
action guidance. Episteme, pp.1-23.
foodaidfoundation.org 2019. World Hunger Statistics. [online] Food Aid Foundation. Available
at: http://www.foodaidfoundation.org/world-hunger-statistics.html [Accessed 10 Aug. 2019].
futureoflife.org 2019. Benefits & Risks of Biotechnology - Future of Life Institute. [online] Future
of Life Institute. Available at: https://futureoflife.org/background/benefits-risks-biotechnology/?
cn-reloaded=1 [Accessed 10 Aug. 2019].