, SUS1501 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2026 - DUE 16 March 2026; 100% Correct solutions and
explanations.
3. Is the maxim above conceivable in a world ruled by the universal
law?
<Answer in here>
When Kant’s categorical imperative is applied, we must imagine a world
in which the maxim becomes a universal law followed by everyone. In
this case, the maxim suggests that every person should accumulate
US$4.2 billion during their lifetime in order to become extremely rich.
When we try to imagine such a world, several logical and practical
problems emerge.
Firstly, the global economy does not contain enough resources or
opportunities for every individual to become a billionaire. Wealth at
such a scale is relative and depends on economic differences between
people. Billionaires exist because most individuals earn far less money.
If every person were to accumulate the same vast amount of wealth, the
concept of being “rich” would lose its meaning. Money only has value
because of scarcity and distribution within society.
Secondly, the economic system itself would likely collapse under such a
universal rule. Businesses rely on employees, consumers, and investors
who occupy different economic positions. If everyone were focused
solely on becoming extremely wealthy, cooperation and essential social
roles could be undermined. Important jobs that are necessary for society
to function, such as teaching, farming, healthcare, and public service,
might be neglected because people would focus primarily on profit.
Thirdly, resources such as land, minerals, labour, and capital are limited.
If billions of people attempted to accumulate extreme wealth
simultaneously, competition would intensify dramatically. This could
lead to exploitation, environmental destruction, and instability.
1 2026 - DUE 16 March 2026; 100% Correct solutions and
explanations.
3. Is the maxim above conceivable in a world ruled by the universal
law?
<Answer in here>
When Kant’s categorical imperative is applied, we must imagine a world
in which the maxim becomes a universal law followed by everyone. In
this case, the maxim suggests that every person should accumulate
US$4.2 billion during their lifetime in order to become extremely rich.
When we try to imagine such a world, several logical and practical
problems emerge.
Firstly, the global economy does not contain enough resources or
opportunities for every individual to become a billionaire. Wealth at
such a scale is relative and depends on economic differences between
people. Billionaires exist because most individuals earn far less money.
If every person were to accumulate the same vast amount of wealth, the
concept of being “rich” would lose its meaning. Money only has value
because of scarcity and distribution within society.
Secondly, the economic system itself would likely collapse under such a
universal rule. Businesses rely on employees, consumers, and investors
who occupy different economic positions. If everyone were focused
solely on becoming extremely wealthy, cooperation and essential social
roles could be undermined. Important jobs that are necessary for society
to function, such as teaching, farming, healthcare, and public service,
might be neglected because people would focus primarily on profit.
Thirdly, resources such as land, minerals, labour, and capital are limited.
If billions of people attempted to accumulate extreme wealth
simultaneously, competition would intensify dramatically. This could
lead to exploitation, environmental destruction, and instability.
