SUS1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE 16 MARCH 2026
BACKGROUND FACTS
In assignment 1, one of the questions was: “In January 2026 Patrice Motsepe's net
worth was estimated to be US$ 4.2 billion.”
STEP 2. EVALUATE USING KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE (We've done the
first two stages for you)
3. Is the maxim above conceivable in a world ruled by the universal law?
ANSWER:
No, it is not conceivable. If all 8.1 billion people accumulated US$ 4.2 billion in order to
become extremely wealthy, the concept of being “extremely wealthy” would lose its
meaning. Such wealth depends on inequality within the economic system. There are
also not enough global resources for everyone to reach that level of wealth. The
universalised maxim therefore results in a contradiction in conception.
4. Would you rationally act on the maxim above in such a world?
ANSWER:
No, it would not be rational to act on it. In a world where everyone has US$ 4.2 billion,
money would likely lose much of its value and no one would be relatively wealthy. The
goal of becoming “really, really rich” would be defeated. Since the maxim cannot be
consistently willed as a universal law, it fails Kant’s test.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
ASSIGNMENT 2 (SEMESTER 1)
DUE 16 MARCH 2026
BACKGROUND FACTS
In assignment 1, one of the questions was: “In January 2026 Patrice Motsepe's net
worth was estimated to be US$ 4.2 billion.”
STEP 2. EVALUATE USING KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE (We've done the
first two stages for you)
3. Is the maxim above conceivable in a world ruled by the universal law?
ANSWER:
No, it is not conceivable. If all 8.1 billion people accumulated US$ 4.2 billion in order to
become extremely wealthy, the concept of being “extremely wealthy” would lose its
meaning. Such wealth depends on inequality within the economic system. There are
also not enough global resources for everyone to reach that level of wealth. The
universalised maxim therefore results in a contradiction in conception.
4. Would you rationally act on the maxim above in such a world?
ANSWER:
No, it would not be rational to act on it. In a world where everyone has US$ 4.2 billion,
money would likely lose much of its value and no one would be relatively wealthy. The
goal of becoming “really, really rich” would be defeated. Since the maxim cannot be
consistently willed as a universal law, it fails Kant’s test.
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
