SUS1501
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 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."
(3 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED)
STEP 2: EVALUATE THE ACT USING KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE (WE'VE
DONE THE FIRST TWO STAGES FOR YOU)
3. Ask whether your maxim is conceivable in a world ruled by the universal law; and
finally
The maxim that can be formulated in this case is that a person may accumulate and retain
great wealth through lawful business activity, even if that wealth far exceeds what others
possess. To test this maxim under Kant categorical imperative, one must ask whether it
could function as a universal law without contradiction. If every rational agent were permitted
to pursue wealth through lawful and productive means, the world would not collapse into
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
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."
(3 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED)
STEP 2: EVALUATE THE ACT USING KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE
(WE'VE DONE THE FIRST TWO STAGES FOR YOU)
3. Ask whether your maxim is conceivable in a world ruled by the universal
law; and finally
The maxim that can be formulated in this case is that a person may accumulate and
retain great wealth through lawful business activity, even if that wealth far exceeds
what others possess. To test this maxim under Kant categorical imperative, one
must ask whether it could function as a universal law without contradiction. If every
rational agent were permitted to pursue wealth through lawful and productive means,
the world would not collapse into logical inconsistency. Economic activity depends
on initiative, investment, innovation and exchange. A universal rule allowing
individuals to generate wealth through talent, effort and opportunity is conceivable
because it does not destroy the very institution that makes wealth possible. In fact,
markets presuppose that individuals are free to engage in trade and enterprise.
However, one must also consider whether universal accumulation of extreme wealth
would undermine equal moral worth. If the maxim were reformulated to say that one
may accumulate wealth without regard for the conditions of others, a contradiction in
will could emerge. Extreme inequality might weaken social cooperation and
undermine the very stability that economic systems require. Therefore the maxim is
conceivable only if it is linked to respect for the humanity of others. Wealth
accumulation must not treat workers or communities merely as instruments for profit.
Under a universal law, rational beings would need to ensure that their economic
activity remains consistent with respect for persons as ends in themselves.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 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."
(3 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED)
STEP 2: EVALUATE THE ACT USING KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE (WE'VE
DONE THE FIRST TWO STAGES FOR YOU)
3. Ask whether your maxim is conceivable in a world ruled by the universal law; and
finally
The maxim that can be formulated in this case is that a person may accumulate and retain
great wealth through lawful business activity, even if that wealth far exceeds what others
possess. To test this maxim under Kant categorical imperative, one must ask whether it
could function as a universal law without contradiction. If every rational agent were permitted
to pursue wealth through lawful and productive means, the world would not collapse into
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
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."
(3 DIFFERENT ANSWERS PROVIDED)
STEP 2: EVALUATE THE ACT USING KANT'S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE
(WE'VE DONE THE FIRST TWO STAGES FOR YOU)
3. Ask whether your maxim is conceivable in a world ruled by the universal
law; and finally
The maxim that can be formulated in this case is that a person may accumulate and
retain great wealth through lawful business activity, even if that wealth far exceeds
what others possess. To test this maxim under Kant categorical imperative, one
must ask whether it could function as a universal law without contradiction. If every
rational agent were permitted to pursue wealth through lawful and productive means,
the world would not collapse into logical inconsistency. Economic activity depends
on initiative, investment, innovation and exchange. A universal rule allowing
individuals to generate wealth through talent, effort and opportunity is conceivable
because it does not destroy the very institution that makes wealth possible. In fact,
markets presuppose that individuals are free to engage in trade and enterprise.
However, one must also consider whether universal accumulation of extreme wealth
would undermine equal moral worth. If the maxim were reformulated to say that one
may accumulate wealth without regard for the conditions of others, a contradiction in
will could emerge. Extreme inequality might weaken social cooperation and
undermine the very stability that economic systems require. Therefore the maxim is
conceivable only if it is linked to respect for the humanity of others. Wealth
accumulation must not treat workers or communities merely as instruments for profit.
Under a universal law, rational beings would need to ensure that their economic
activity remains consistent with respect for persons as ends in themselves.
