Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


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

May 10th 2024

true schizophrenia

true schizophrenia

see nuclear schizophrenia.