Final answer:
The Categorical Imperative, introduced by Immanuel Kant, is a principle of deontological ethics that suggests actions are morally right if they are based on duty and can be universally applied as a moral law. It emphasizes the intent behind actions and the capability to universalize one's maxim.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Categorical Imperative is considered one of the most honorable approaches to ethics because it centers on the inherent value of the will or intention behind actions, rather than the consequences. According to Immanuel Kant, morally praiseworthy acts are those done out of a sense of duty, and such acts adhere to principles that could be universally applied. Kant's approach is deontological, focusing on the inherent morality of actions themselves rather than their outcomes.
Kant formulated the Categorical Imperative with several key formulations, among which the most notable is: "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law." Kant believed that if an action could not be universally applied, it should not be done. This framework advocates for universal principles that guide ethical behavior, suggesting that rational individuals can identify such codes for an improved society. This imperative sets a high standard of rationality and morality, and ensures that actions are not based on personal desires but on a moral law derived from reason.