Ethics- Kantian Ethics- Hypothetical&Categorical imperative

• Hypothetical imperatives


  An imperative that is dependent on the aims of a person's wants and needs, begins with 'if'
• Hypothetical imperative

  • If you want to be healthier, you should exercise more and eat healthier food
• Hypothetical imperatives

  • Goal centred and only used when someone is trying to reach a goal
  • Not moral imperatives as they are only dependent on a goal someone is seeking
  • Only apply to those that want to achieve a goal and are seeking a reward as a consequence of their behaviour
• Categorical imperatives

  Something you must do regardless of circumstances, a moral imperative
• Categorical imperatives


  • Used alongside rules and laws and instruct people on what is right and what is wrong
  • Can be applied to everybody and can be used to make decisions on what is morally correct
• Kant's three formulations of the categorical imperative

  1. The universal principle - Perform actions that can be made into a universal rule

  2. Ends in themselves - Treat people as an end, not a means

  3. The principle of kingdom of ends - Judge our own actions based on the idea that everyone else is acting morally and treating everybody fairly
• The three formulations of the categorical imperative can be used like a checklist to decide whether an action is a categorical or hypothetical imperative
• Kant said we should be striving for categorical imperatives at all times to focus on our moral duty, not wasting time on selfish deeds or performing actions just to receive a reward
• A true categorical imperative is performed simply because it is the right thing to do, not for any reward
• Hypothetical imperatives


  People want to do, not moral statements, driven by people's goals
• Categorical imperatives


  People must do morally, moral statements