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categorical imperative

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun categorical imperative has 1 sense
  1. categorical imperative - the moral principle that behavior should be determined by duty
    --1 is a kind of
    moral principle

Definitions from the Web

Categorical Imperative

Definition: The categorical imperative is a moral principle formulated by philosopher Immanuel Kant. It asserts that one must always act according to a universal moral law, regardless of personal desires or circumstances.

Sense 1: In philosophy, the categorical imperative is a principle that emphasizes moral duty and the importance of acting based on universal principles rather than personal gain or desires. It is a fundamental concept in Kantian ethics.

Example sentence 1: According to the categorical imperative, lying is always morally wrong, regardless of the consequences.

Example sentence 2: Kant believed that the categorical imperative provides a foundation for ethical decision-making.

Sense 2: In popular usage, the phrase "categorical imperative" may refer to any unequivocal or absolute command or rule that must be followed without exception.

Example sentence 1: The coach's categorical imperative was that players must always give their best effort on the field.

Example sentence 2: For parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of their children is often a categorical imperative.

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