SUS1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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.
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
