Differentiate between categorical and hypothetical imperatives of Immanuel Kant. Give example of each.

Immanuel Kant, a key figure in modern philosophy, introduced the concepts of categorical and hypothetical imperatives as part of his moral philosophy outlined in the "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals." These imperatives are distinct in their nature and application.

Categorical Imperative:
The categorical imperative is a moral command that holds absolute and unconditional authority, prescribing an action as a moral duty regardless of personal desires or inclinations. It is characterized by its universality and necessity. Kant proposed several formulations of the categorical imperative, with one key version being the Formula of Universal Law: "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

Example of a Categorical Imperative:
Consider the moral principle "Never make false promises." According to the categorical imperative, this principle must be followed universally, meaning that if everyone were to make false promises, the concept of promising itself would be undermined. The moral duty, in this case, is not contingent on personal desires or circumstances but is an absolute requirement.

Hypothetical Imperative:
In contrast, the hypothetical imperative is conditional and contingent upon the pursuit of personal goals or desires. It provides instructions for achieving specific ends based on the assumption of particular conditions or desires. Hypothetical imperatives are situational and contingent on an individual's subjective aims.

Example of a Hypothetical Imperative:
Suppose an individual desires to succeed in their career. The hypothetical imperative in this context might be "If you want to succeed in your career, then work diligently and acquire relevant skills." This imperative is conditional on the individual's desire for career success; it does not carry the universal and unconditional nature of the categorical imperative.

In summary, the key distinction lies in the nature of the imperatives. Categorical imperatives are absolute moral commands that apply universally, independent of personal desires, while hypothetical imperatives are conditional directives that depend on the pursuit of particular goals or desires. The categorical imperative serves as the foundation of Kant's deontological ethics, emphasizing moral duties grounded in reason and universalizability.