Who is known for the concept of the "Categorical Imperative"?

The concept of the "Categorical Imperative" is a central element in the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. This principle is designed to provide a clear method for determining what actions are morally permissible. Unlike hypothetical imperatives, which are conditional and depend on personal desires or goals, the Categorical Imperative acts as an unconditional moral law that applies to all rational beings regardless of their particular interests.

Kant formulated several ways to express this imperative, with one of the most famous formulations being the principle that one should act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. This means that before taking an action, one should consider whether it would be acceptable for everyone to act similarly in similar circumstances.

Kant’s approach emphasizes duty, reason, and the inherent dignity of individuals as ends in themselves, laying the foundation for modern deontological ethics. Understanding the Categorical Imperative helps in evaluating moral actions and establishing a moral framework that values integrity and universalizability in ethical reasoning.