hypothetical imperative
English
Etymology
From German hypothetischer Imperativ, used by Immanuel Kant.
Noun
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hypothetical imperative (plural hypothetical imperatives)
- (philosophy) 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.
Coordinate terms
- categorical imperative
See also
- instrumental rationality