Hypothetical Imperative (Noun)
Meaning
A principle stating the action required to attain a desired goal.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The professor explained to her ethics class that a hypothetical imperative is a moral principle that is based on a desired outcome, such as the idea that one should be kind to others in order to achieve happiness.
- According to Immanuel Kant, a hypothetical imperative is a principle that is conditional upon a particular goal, unlike a categorical imperative which is absolute.
- The senator argued that the new tax policy was based on a hypothetical imperative, as its purpose was to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
- In his moral philosophy, John Stuart Mill emphasized the importance of hypothetical imperatives in guiding human behavior towards desired outcomes, such as the maximization of overall happiness.
- The teacher asked her students to consider whether the principle "one should always be honest" is an absolute rule or a hypothetical imperative that depends on the goal of building trust and respect.