hypothetical imperative

noun

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.

OriginGerman hypothetischer Imperativ →
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Meanings

nounhypothetical imperative (plural hypothetical imperatives)

plural hypothetical imperatives

  1. human sciencesA 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.

Origin

  1. Germanhypothetischer Imperativ
  2. Englishhypothetical imperative

From German hypothetischer Imperativ, used by Immanuel Kant.

More words from German

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

hypothetical imperative. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hypothetical%20imperative

MLA

“hypothetical imperative.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hypothetical%20imperative. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “hypothetical imperative,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hypothetical%20imperative.

Source: hypothetical imperative on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.