categorical imperative

Noun

Meaning

the moral principle that behavior should be determined by duty

Source: WordNet

Synonyms

conscience casuistry empiricism hedonism stoicism utilitarianism golden rule moral law moral code sense of duty inner voice inner guide compelling need strictly necessary overriding necessity

Show all synonyms

Hypernyms

moral principle

Examples

Kant, Foundations, p. 408. Unlike a hypothetical imperative, a categorical imperative is an unconditional obligation; that is, it has the force of an obligation regardless of our will or desires Kant, Foundations, pp. 420–1. Source: Internet

In using his categorical imperative Kant deduced that experience was necessary for their application. Source: Internet

Kant also stated that the moral means and ends can be applied to the categorical imperative, that rational beings can pursue certain "ends" using the appropriate "means". Source: Internet

Kantians believe all actions are performed in accordance with some underlying maxim or principle, and for actions to be ethical, they must adhere to the categorical imperative. Source: Internet

Motivating morality :See also Causes of good behaviour The categorical imperative perspective suggests that proper reason always leads to particular moral behaviour. Source: Internet

The categorical imperative can only be based on something that is an "end in itself", that is, an end that is not a means to some other need, desire, or purpose. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

categorical categorical dual categorical grant categorical logic categorical product categorical proposition