The categorical imperative is a key component of Immanuel Kant's philosophy. According to Kant, morality should be determined by a principle that is universal and applicable to all people. The categorical imperative is this principle. Kant formulated the categorical imperative in several different ways, but the most well-known formulation is: "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." This means that when we make a moral decision, we should consider whether the action we are contemplating could be made into a rule that everyone in the world should follow. If it can, then it is morally permissible. If it cannot, then it is morally impermissible. For example, let's say you are considering lying to a friend in order to spare their feelings. According to the categorical imperative, you should ask yourself whether it would be okay for everyone to lie in order to spare someone's feeling...