BACC104.

N5Ar

1. What is the difference between hypothetical and categorical imperatives?

Hypothetical and categorical imperatives are two ethical orientation of
Immanuel Kant that reveal the underlying moral concept and demonstrate that
it applies to us. Categorical imperatives define acts we should perform
regardless of whether or not doing so would allow us to achieve our goals.
Actions we should perform are identified by hypothetical imperatives, but only if
we have a specific objective in mind. It is categorical in that it applies to us
unconditionally, or simply because we have rational wills, regardless of any
goals we may or may not have. This differs to hypothetical imperative in such
that it does not apply to us unless we have set some sort of objective for
ourselves beforehand.

2.  How do you apply this in real-life situations?

Hypothetical imperative is applicable in situation where we do actions
because we have a particular goal. For example, if a person wants to stay
healthy, they should eat nutritious foods or if a person does not want to get
stuck in the rain then they should bring an umbrella. In terms of business, if a
company wants to be trusted then they should be truthful with their business
partners. On the other hand, categorical imperative is applicable primarily in
moral conduct; applies to people regardless of desire. For example, if a person
does not want to be lied on, then no one should lie or do not cheat on your
taxes; even if the person desires to cheat, they may not.

Sources:
Kerstein, S. J. (2013, February 1). Imperatives, Categorical and Hypothetical. Wiley Online
Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781444367072.wbiee239
Johnson, Robert, & Cureton. (2016, July 7). Kant’s Moral Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy). Plato.Standford.Edu. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant-moral/