The categorical imperative is a philosophy concept developed by the philosopher Immanuel Kant, which defends that every human being must act in accordance with moral principles.
Immanuel Kant
For Kant, an imperative is any plan indicating that a certain action must be carried out, that is submitted to an analysis.
The concept of imperative analyzes the motivation that leads human beings to act in different situations in life.
Different Kantian Imperatives
Immanuel Kant divided the concept of imperative into two aspects: categorical imperative and hypothetical imperative.
categorical imperative
The categorical imperative has at the heart of its concept the sense of morality, principles and respect.
Each and every action put into practice considers important not only the goal pursued by it, but also the way in which that goal is achieved.
In addition to being fundamental that no one is harmed, it is important that the conduct of those who exercise the action has an intrinsic moral concern, independent of punishment or any other type of prejudice.
The categorical imperative holds that individuals should act in accordance with what they would like to see as universal law, that is, they should not do to others what they would not want others to do to they. Because of this concept of law, the categorical imperative was also designated as universal imperative.
Example of categorical imperative
do not drive at high speed.
Note that in the sentence above, the moral conscience of those who utter the sentence knows that not driving at high speed is a duty; it's a way of not risking one's own life or the lives of others, it's being responsible with oneself and with others.
This alone is enough for the action of not driving at high speed to be put into practice. Note that there is no concern about the punishment that might be applied if this duty is not fulfilled.
Regardless of punishment, the motivation for action is moral concern and not fear of a possible fine.
Importance of the categorical imperative
The concept of categorical imperative is of great importance in the ideal of harmonious living in society, as advocates that all people behave ethically and morally and act without harming or taking advantage of the next.
The categorical imperative philosophy preaches that this must be put into practice as a matter of conscience and moral duty, and not for fear of receiving punishment if someone acts contrary to what is considered right.
The greatest benefit of putting this philosophy into practice is a peaceful social interaction, as the day-to-day maxim is not to do with others what you do not want to be done with yourself.
hypothetical imperative
The hypothetical imperative is a completely opposite concept to the categorical imperative.
The central idea of the categorical imperative is to follow an idea as a way to reach a certain purpose. There is a direct relationship between action and purpose, that is, for x be reached, y needs to be done.
This imperative is called hypothetical because the action needed to reach the end may or may not be put into practice, depending on the will and inclinations of those who will eventually exercise it.
It is not important, however, whether this purpose follows the principles of morals and ethics. The focus is on having a goal and acting to achieve it, regardless of circumstances and everything else.
Hypothetical imperative example
If you don't want to pay a fine, don't drive at high speed.
Note that in the sentence above, the individual's main concern is the non-payment of the fine.
The moral concern with the own integrity of the one who drives or the physical integrity of the neighbor does not exist. What makes him “careful” is the chance of being arrested and not the sense of responsibility.
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the kantian principles
According to Kant, the human being's morality does not depend or is related to the experience lived by him, that is, it is a capacity that is already born with the human being; it is innate.
As such, all people are able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.
THE Kantian ethics it is fully grounded in the categorical imperative.
THE Kantian morals does not tolerate attitudes and actions motivated by interests because it is based on the duty to act morally.
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Curiosities about Immanuel Kant
Kant's father was known to be a man who preached the truth above all things.
It is possible to see through his ethical and moral principles that Kant was directly influenced by his father's ethical austerity.
The philosopher himself even went so far as to express through his writing that, in his father's house, there was never room for anything that opposed decency and veracity.
