hypothetical imperative

British  

noun

1. (esp in the moral philosophy of Kant) any conditional rule of action, concerned with means and ends rather than with duty for its own sake Compare categorical imperative

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Example Sentences

Kant distinguished the categorical imperative from the hypothetical imperative, which is an action one takes to achieve a specific goal.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Through the hypothetical imperative we establish subjective rules for acting.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

A hypothetical imperative is thus not a moral rule, but a means to achieve a goal—to fulfill a desire.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

The hypothetical imperative which expresses the practical necessity of an action as means to the advancement of happiness is assertorial.

From Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals by Abbott, Thomas Kingsmill

When I conceive a hypothetical imperative in general I do not know beforehand what it will contain until I am given the condition.

From Literary and Philosophical Essays: French, German and Italian by Various