Define Categorical imperative.

The Categorical Imperative is a fundamental ethical principle introduced by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant in his "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals." It serves as the cornerstone of Kantian moral philosophy, emphasizing the idea of moral duty and universal moral principles.

Kant's Categorical Imperative is expressed in various formulations, but a central idea runs through them all: act according to a maxim that you could will to be a universal law without contradiction. In simpler terms, individuals should act based on principles that could be consistently applied to everyone in similar situations. This universality and lack of contradiction distinguish the Categorical Imperative from hypothetical imperatives, which are contingent on personal desires or goals.

Kant's emphasis on rationality and the autonomy of the moral agent is encapsulated in the Categorical Imperative, grounding morality in reason rather than consequences. By adhering to principles that could be universally adopted without contradiction, individuals, according to Kant, act with moral integrity and contribute to a morally harmonious world. The Categorical Imperative remains a significant concept in deontological ethics and has influenced moral philosophy and ethical discussions across various fields.