hypothetical imperative

English

Etymology

From German hypothetischer Imperativ, used by Immanuel Kant.

Noun

Examples
"To pass the exam, I should study." "To lose weight, I should diet."

hypothetical imperative (plural hypothetical imperatives)

1. (philosophy) A formula that tells one how to act in order to achieve a specific goal, without reflecting on the value of the goal itself. Such an imperative is conditional, i.e., it would only motivate one who already shares the end goal in question.

Coordinate terms

• categorical imperative

See also

• instrumental rationality