The Categorical Imperative

Categorical Imperative

Categorical imperative refers to ethics which a person is required to accomplish in life. Immanuel Kant first discussed the concept of imperative and morals in the book The Metaphysics of Morals in 1797.

Personal Example 1

A personal example of the categorical imperative is a situation where I used dubious means to acquire money from my parents. At first, I cheated them that I wanted some cash for my school project when indeed no project was to be performed at the university. In the real sense, I intended to put the money into my personal use. I was not virtuous when I cheated my parents, a situation that philosophers like Kant describe as dishonesty.

Personal Example 2

Another personal example is the case where I preferred eating healthy diets and ignored consuming tasty and junk food that is more sugary and unhealthy. The food I eat is also pleasant to the environment. I often exercise practices that are suitable for me and the whole universe thus fulfilling the categorical imperative that Kant highlighted in his works.