Hypothetical imperative

A hypothetical imperative is in the form "If you want x, then do y". After some moral theories moral demands basically have this structure. Bound on y is therefore only one who actually wants to also x. A counter -thesis holds that moral If not only relative there in the real sense at certain interests, but basically for everyone and absolutely, that is categorically applies (see categorical imperative ).

Conceptual history

The term " hypothetical imperative " comes from Immanuel Kant He makes the observation that moral claims are absolutely and categorically not only on the assumption of certain preferences or goals. The universality of ethical obligations stirred experienced by the human subject.

For some traditional fundamental ethical approaches, how they can be attributed to many scholastics, the universality of moral obligations contrary, is based in the mind and will of the first beings. By providing objective constraints ( inclinatio naturae lex aeterna ) is the achievement of specific objectives with associated conditions ( virtus naturae, inclinatio naturae lex aeterna ). These bring forth an ought, if a goal is sought. Striving for the objective is however hypothetical, and therefore the imperative.

According to Thomas Aquinas all concrete goals by man are self-determined. Only the general goal of man ( pursuit of objective, spiritual bliss) comes to his material and so necessary. What it is designed specifically, but is largely determined by man himself. So not find all the people that God is the ultimate goal. Happiness is not selfish, but understood as an objective state of the moral order. With this objective goods, such as God, justice and the perfect operation of the powers of the soul are intrinsically connected.

By Sollensanspruch regarding the ultimate goal is from the good ( bonum ) an obligation ( a rectum ). The bonum is the moral reason ( orthos logos, recta ratio ), while the rectum a duty ( bonum debitum ) and thus goes beyond it. However, since the rectum is apparent from the Sollensanspruch ultimately in terms of the ultimate goal, each rectum and the moral reason must be compliant. ( In an analogous manner, a peccatum by the Sollensanspruch regarding the ultimate goal and from the malum. )

Discussion

The defenders of categorical imperatives throw ethicists, understand what moral demands as hypothetical imperatives, before that moral claims is absolute and this was not properly captured if moral claims are relativized to specific goals.

Conversely appears for instance from virtue ethical perspective, the claim of categorical imperatives too abruptly, for example, with aspects of personality development.

Swell

• Ethical theory