categorical imperative

noun

1. Ethics. the rule of Immanuel Kant that one must do only what one can will that all others should do under similar circumstances.
2. the unconditional command of conscience.

categorical imperative

noun

1. See hypothetical imperative
   (in the ethics of Kant) the unconditional moral principle that one's behaviour should accord with universalizable maxims which respect persons as ends in themselves; the obligation to do one's duty for its own sake and not in pursuit of further ends Compare hypothetical imperative

Word History and Origins

Origin of categorical imperative¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

There has never been so concise and definitive a debunking of Kant's categorical imperative.

From The Daily Beast

That year it published a report, the first of its kind, titled MTA Adaptations to Climate Change: A Categorical Imperative.

From The Daily Beast

The categorical imperative was supposed to determine our moral sense and the distinction between good and evil.

From Project Gutenberg

This has been largely sustained by Kant's teaching, but his categorical imperative has been completely refuted by modern science.

From Project Gutenberg

But nevertheless freedom of will is a necessary conviction of every one who feels it in the categorical imperative: Thou shalt!

From Project Gutenberg

No categorical imperative, no ethical code, can serve as a basis for the real practical right.

From Project Gutenberg

The cupola of his great cathedral of faith was crowned by Kant with his curious idol, the famous “categorical imperative.”

From Project Gutenberg