SUS1501
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 March 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+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
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
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 16 March 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+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
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
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
