SUS1501
Assignment 2 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
If the maxim is that it is morally permissible for an individual to accumulate great wealth
through lawful business practices while respecting the dignity and rights of others, then
the next step is to test whether this maxim can be universalised. According to Kant, a
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.
, 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
If the maxim is that it is morally permissible for an individual to accumulate great
wealth through lawful business practices while respecting the dignity and rights of
others, then the next step is to test whether this maxim can be universalised.
According to Kant, a maxim must be capable of becoming a universal law without
contradiction. This means that one must imagine a world in which everyone follows
the same principle.
In a world where every person is permitted to accumulate wealth through hard work,
innovation and lawful enterprise, there is no logical contradiction. Economic activity
would still function because trade, employment and investment would continue.
People would still engage in voluntary exchange and create value. The mere fact
that some individuals become extremely wealthy does not, in itself, destroy the
possibility of others doing the same. Therefore, the maxim is conceivable.
However, if the maxim were changed to say that it is acceptable to accumulate
wealth by exploiting others or treating workers merely as tools for profit, then
universalising this would produce a contradiction. If everyone exploited others, trust
in contracts and cooperation would collapse. Human dignity would not be respected,
and rational agents would undermine the very conditions that make business
possible. In such a case, the maxim would fail the test of universalisation.
Thus, the moral status of great wealth depends not on the amount itself, but on the
principle guiding its acquisition and use. If the principle respects humanity as an end
Assignment 2 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
If the maxim is that it is morally permissible for an individual to accumulate great wealth
through lawful business practices while respecting the dignity and rights of others, then
the next step is to test whether this maxim can be universalised. According to Kant, a
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.
, 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
If the maxim is that it is morally permissible for an individual to accumulate great
wealth through lawful business practices while respecting the dignity and rights of
others, then the next step is to test whether this maxim can be universalised.
According to Kant, a maxim must be capable of becoming a universal law without
contradiction. This means that one must imagine a world in which everyone follows
the same principle.
In a world where every person is permitted to accumulate wealth through hard work,
innovation and lawful enterprise, there is no logical contradiction. Economic activity
would still function because trade, employment and investment would continue.
People would still engage in voluntary exchange and create value. The mere fact
that some individuals become extremely wealthy does not, in itself, destroy the
possibility of others doing the same. Therefore, the maxim is conceivable.
However, if the maxim were changed to say that it is acceptable to accumulate
wealth by exploiting others or treating workers merely as tools for profit, then
universalising this would produce a contradiction. If everyone exploited others, trust
in contracts and cooperation would collapse. Human dignity would not be respected,
and rational agents would undermine the very conditions that make business
possible. In such a case, the maxim would fail the test of universalisation.
Thus, the moral status of great wealth depends not on the amount itself, but on the
principle guiding its acquisition and use. If the principle respects humanity as an end
