categorical imperative

categorical imperative

n.

In the ethical system of Immanuel Kant, an unconditional moral law that applies to all rational beings and is independent of any personal motive or desire.

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categorical imperative

n

(Philosophy) (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

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

categorical imperative - the moral principle that behavior should be determined by duty moral principle - the principle that conduct should be moral