(The subject is philosophy) What is the difference between a categorical and hyp

Question

(The subject is philosophy) What is the difference between a categorical and hypothetical imperative? In the following examples which are hypothetical imperatives, and which are categorical imperatives? Explain your answers. a. If you want others to be honest with you, then you ought to be honest with them b. Whether or not you want to pay your share, you ought to do so. C. Because everyone wants to be happy, we ought to consider everyone's interest equally. d. I ought not to cheat on this paper if I do not want to aet cauaht

Explanation / Answer

Categorical Imperatives are universal and are objective moral instructions that are required to follow at evey situation, whether they fulfills our desires and goals or not. Whereas, Hypothetical Imperatives are moral instructions that are followed with a aim and reason to fulfill our goals and desires. They are therefore subjective and are not followed in every situation.

a. This statement is a hypothetical imperative, as the moral instructions in the statement comes with a reason that, if you want honesty from others then you need to be honest with them, instead of you ought to be honest no matter what.

b. This statement is a categorical imperative as it is directing to follow an instruction that is ought to be followed without any reason or goal.

c. This statement has a condition or a reason why everyone's interest should be considered equally,hence,is a hypothetical imperative.

d. In this statement the individual has a motive behind not cheating,as he/she doesn't wants to get caught for cheating. Hence, it is not an universal imperative of not cheating. This is a hypothetical imperative.

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