BharatNotes Categorical Imperative
Kant's supreme moral principle — an unconditional moral obligation binding on all rational beings, independent of personal desires or consequences; the most famous formulation: "Act only according to that maxim you could will to become a universal law."
Context & Background
Immanuel Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785); three formulations: Universalisability, Humanity (treat persons as ends, never merely as means), Kingdom of Ends.
UPSC Exam Relevance
Frequently tested in GS4 ethics theory questions; practical application — can I universalise this action?; link to RTI, rule of law, non-discrimination in public service.
