Single Idea 3724

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty]

Full Idea

A categorical imperative would be one which represented an action as objectively necessary in itself apart from its relation to a further end.

Gist of Idea

A categorical imperative sees an action as necessary purely for its own sake

Source

Immanuel Kant (Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals [1785], 414.39)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Moral Law (Groundwork of Morals)', ed/tr. Paton,H.J. [Hutchinson 1948], p.78