SUS1501
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MARCH 2026
, Sustainability and Greed - SUS1501
BACKGROUND FACTS
In Assignment 1, one of the discussion points focused on wealth inequality and moral
responsibility. A specific factual statement was provided: In January 2026, Patrice
Motsepe’s net worth was estimated to be approximately US$4.2 billion. Patrice Motsepe
is a prominent South African businessman whose wealth places him among the richest
individuals on the African continent. This fact raises ethical questions regarding the
moral permissibility of extreme wealth accumulation in societies characterized by
widespread poverty and inequality.
This assignment evaluates the moral status of such wealth using Kant’s Categorical
Imperative, a deontological ethical framework that assesses actions based on duty,
rationality, and respect for persons rather than consequences.
STEP 2: EVALUATE THE ACT USING KANT’S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE
3. Is the maxim conceivable in a world ruled by the universal law?
(Minimum ±250 words)
The maxim under evaluation can be stated as follows: “Individuals may accumulate vast
personal wealth within a capitalist system as long as they operate within the bounds of
the law.” According to the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative, one must ask
whether this maxim could be consistently universalised and applied as a law governing
all rational agents.
In a world where everyone acts according to this maxim, unlimited wealth accumulation
would be morally acceptable provided legal requirements are met. Such a world is
logically conceivable. Markets would still exist, private ownership would remain intact,
and individuals would be free to pursue financial success. There is no inherent logical
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 MARCH 2026
, Sustainability and Greed - SUS1501
BACKGROUND FACTS
In Assignment 1, one of the discussion points focused on wealth inequality and moral
responsibility. A specific factual statement was provided: In January 2026, Patrice
Motsepe’s net worth was estimated to be approximately US$4.2 billion. Patrice Motsepe
is a prominent South African businessman whose wealth places him among the richest
individuals on the African continent. This fact raises ethical questions regarding the
moral permissibility of extreme wealth accumulation in societies characterized by
widespread poverty and inequality.
This assignment evaluates the moral status of such wealth using Kant’s Categorical
Imperative, a deontological ethical framework that assesses actions based on duty,
rationality, and respect for persons rather than consequences.
STEP 2: EVALUATE THE ACT USING KANT’S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE
3. Is the maxim conceivable in a world ruled by the universal law?
(Minimum ±250 words)
The maxim under evaluation can be stated as follows: “Individuals may accumulate vast
personal wealth within a capitalist system as long as they operate within the bounds of
the law.” According to the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative, one must ask
whether this maxim could be consistently universalised and applied as a law governing
all rational agents.
In a world where everyone acts according to this maxim, unlimited wealth accumulation
would be morally acceptable provided legal requirements are met. Such a world is
logically conceivable. Markets would still exist, private ownership would remain intact,
and individuals would be free to pursue financial success. There is no inherent logical
