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 code sense of duty inner voice moral law inner guide absolute need compelling need strictly necessary
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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