Final answer:
Kant's Categorical Imperative is a moral law derived by reason, requiring actions to be universally applicable without concern for consequences, in stark contrast to hedonism or utilitarianism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Categorical Imperative is a central concept in the deontological moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant, which commands actions regardless of consequences. According to Kant, it's a universal moral law that should guide our actions. This principle posits that you should "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law". The Categorical Imperative uses reason to establish morality by requiring that actions be universalizable and not depend on outcomes or individual preferences. This means that moral actions are those that could be applied universally and without contradiction
In contrast to hedonism, which emphasizes pleasure and pain, and the utilitarian focus on consequences and outcomes, Kant's moral framework is rooted in duty and the intrinsic worth of actions. Imperatives of this kind do not consider the potential results of actions, instead, they are inherently moral directives that one must follow due to the rationality and logic they embody, transcending personal desires and aims.
The Categorical Imperative is essential for Kant's Theory of the Good, where an act is morally praiseworthy if it is done out of a sense of duty, and our duty is determined by actions we would want everyone to undertake in similar circumstances.