categorical imperative

the moral directive articulated by Immanuel Kant that one’s behavior should be guided by maxims that one would be comfortable to hold as universal laws governing the actions of all people in the same circumstances. Because it is absolute and unconditional, the categorical imperative contrasts with a hypothetical imperative of the type “If you would achieve end Y, take action Z.” The categorical imperative has been extremely influential in moral philosophy and in theories of moral behavior in psychology. See also universalizability.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

December 24th 2024

Mach scale

a measurement of the degree to which individuals condone, tolerate, or condemn the use of manipulation and deceit in pursuit of material or other aims. Persons low in Mach (or Machiavellianism) affirm absolute ethical standards; persons high in this quality reveal relative and shifting standards of behavior.