In Kant's ethics, a command or principle that guides action based on practical reason rather than theoretical knowledge. It includes both hypothetical imperatives (if-then commands) and the categorical imperative (unconditional moral commands).
From Greek 'praktikos' (concerned with action) and Latin 'imperativus' (commanding). Kant distinguished practical from theoretical reason in his critical philosophy, emphasizing that moral philosophy concerns what we ought to do, not just what we can know.
Practical-imperatives show why 'ought implies can' - moral commands only make sense if we're actually capable of following them! This is why we don't morally blame people for things completely beyond their control, like natural disasters.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.