What are Categorical Imperatives in Kant’s ethical framework?

Categorical Imperatives are a foundational concept in Immanuel Kant's ethical framework, representing principles that dictate universal moral rules applicable to all rational beings, regardless of personal desires or situational contexts. According to Kant, these imperatives are not dependent on individual circumstances or subjective interpretations; instead, they provide a framework that establishes what one ought to do based on reason and duty.

For instance, one of Kant’s key formulations of the Categorical Imperative is the idea that one should act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law. This means that if an action is morally permissible, it must be appropriate for all people to act in that same way in similar circumstances, thus promoting consistency and objectivity in moral judgments.

This understanding contrasts sharply with other approaches to ethics that might rely on societal norms, personal feelings, or majority opinions, which do not provide universally applicable rules. Kant’s Categorical Imperatives elevate ethical reasoning beyond subjective or situational factors, establishing a robust framework for assessing moral actions.