Final answer:
A categorical imperative is a moral law that individuals have a duty to follow and that is rationally devised through Kant's four formulations. Kant distinguishes categorical imperatives from hypothetical imperatives, explaining that the former are universal laws that must be obeyed regardless of our desires, while the latter are subjective rules that guide our actions in order to achieve specific goals or fulfill desires.
Step-by-step explanation:
A categorical imperative is a moral law that individuals have a duty to follow and that is rationally devised through Kant's four formulations. Unlike hypothetical imperatives, categorical imperatives are universal laws that we must obey regardless of our desires. Kant's concept of categorical imperatives can be understood as commands that must be complied with even contrary to inclination. Hypothetical imperatives, on the other hand, are subjective rules that we follow to achieve specific goals or fulfill desires.