hypothetical imperative

== English == === Etymology === From German hypothetischer Imperativ, used by Immanuel Kant. === Noun === hypothetical imperative (plural hypothetical imperatives) (philosophy) A formula that tells one how to act in order to achieve a specific goal, without reflecting on the value of the goal itself. Such an imperative is conditional, i.e., it would only motivate one who already shares the end goal in question. ==== Coordinate terms ==== categorical imperative ==== See also ==== instrumental rationality