categorical imperative

== English == === Etymology === From German kategorischer Imperativ. === Noun === categorical imperative (plural categorical imperatives) (ethics) A fundamental ethical principle intended as a guide for determining whether any contemplated action is morally right, based on the concept that an action is good or bad in and of itself regardless of what the actor's aims or preferences are. ==== Translations ==== === See also === deontology golden rule hypothetical imperative moral imperative Ten Commandments