Categorical imperatives are commands of reason from "summary" of THE CRITIQUE OF PRACTICAL REASON by Immanuel Kant
Categorical imperatives, as commands of reason, hold a unique position in moral philosophy. They are not based on contingent desires or interests, but rather stem from the rational faculty within us. These imperatives do not depend on any particular ends or goals; instead, they are universal and necessary principles that apply to all rational beings. In this sense, they are distinct from hypothetical imperatives, which are conditional commands based on achieving specific ends. The idea that categorical imperatives are commands of reason implies that they are grounded in rationality itself. These imperatives are not imposed on us by external forces but arise from our own faculty of reason. They reflect the inherent dignity and autonomy of rational beings, as they are capable of recognizing and following these commands witho...
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