word
Literary
Categorical Imperative
kat-eh-GOR-ih-kul im-PER-uh-tiv
/ˌkætɪˈɡɒrɪkəl ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
Categoricalimperative
Dictionary meaning
Kant's ethical principle that one should act only according to rules one would will to be universal laws.
Examples
- The categorical imperative asks: could your action become a universal law?
Pronunciation tips
Two words. 'Categorical': stress on third syllable. 'Imperative': stress on second syllable.
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