Categorical imperative

The categorical imperative is the philosophical concept central to the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant and to modern deontological ethics. It is best known in its first formulation: "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it would become a universal law", but further formulations were proposed and discussed by Kant. Kant introduced the concept in his Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals. It is outlined here according to the arguments therein.

Related Topics:
Philosophical - Moral philosophy - Immanuel Kant - Deontological ethics - Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals

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Kant defined an imperative as any proposition that declares a certain kind of action (or inaction) to be necessary. A hypothetical imperative would compel action under a particular circumstance: If I wish to slake my thirst, then I must drink this lemonade. A categorical imperative would denote an absolute, unconditional requirement that exerts its authority in all circumstances, and is both required and justified as an end in itself: I must not ever treat a person merely as a means to some other end.

Related Topics:
Imperative - Hypothetical imperative

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He expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the moral philosophy of his day because he believed it could never surpass the level of hypothetical imperatives. For example, a consequentialist standard would indicate that murder is wrong because it does not maximize good for the greatest number; but this would be irrelevant to someone who is not interested in maximizing the good. Consequently, Kant argued, hypothetical moral systems cannot persuade moral action or be regarded as bases for moral judgments against others, because the imperatives they are based on rely too heavily on subjective considerations.

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A deontological moral system based on the demands of the categorical imperative was presented as an alternative.

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