 ##  [Categorical Imperative](/categorical-imperative) 

  ##  [Categorical Imperative](https://humanitites.quantumdictionary.io/categorical-imperative-0) 

  

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**Humanities &amp; Arts Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A deontic principle originating in Kantian ethics that requires agents to act only according to maxims they can will to become universal law; it identifies moral duty as grounded in reason and independent of contingent desires or outcomes.