hypothetical imperative
nounEtymology From German hypothetischer Imperativ, used by Immanuel Kant.
1
Human sciences, Philosophy, Sciences A formula that tells one how to act in order to achieve a specific goal, without reflecting on the value of the goal itself. Such an imperative is conditional, i.e., it would only motivate one who already shares the end goal in question.
- Related terms
- instrumental rationality
- Coordinate terms
- categorical imperative