What is Categorical Imperative?

Categorical Imperative is a mental model used for better thinking and decision-making.

How do you apply Categorical Imperative?

To apply Categorical Imperative, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Categorical Imperative fall under?

Categorical Imperative falls under the Philosophy, Law & Politics category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the Philosophy, Law & Politics hub page.

Why is Categorical Imperative important?

Categorical Imperative is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

Where does Categorical Imperative come from?

Categorical Imperative is discussed in the tradition of Kant.

Philosophy, Law & Politics

Categorical Imperative

Model #0853Category: Philosophy, Law & PoliticsSource: KantDepth to apply:

5 min read

Contents

1. Core Idea
2. How to See It
3. How to Use It
4. Founders & Leaders
5. Connected Models
6. One Key Quote
7. Summary & Further Reading

Subscribe to read the full Categorical Imperative analysis — when to use it, when it misleads, step-by-step application, and company examples.

Membership gives you full access to every piece of research in the library, plus the AI assistant.

Start 7-Day Free Trial

Cancel anytime.

Or get the newsletter free — I send one every week.

Full subscribe page

Or ask about this topic — 5 free questions included

Continue exploring

ST

Mental model

Stoicism

Focus only on what you can control, accept what you cannot, and build virtue as

TM

Mental model

The Socratic Method

Systematic questioning to expose hidden assumptions, clarify thinking, and arriv

TT

Mental model

Thucydides Trap

When a rising power threatens to displace a ruling power, the resulting structur

BP

Mental model

Burden of Proof

CC

Mental model

Cargo Cults

CP

Mental model

Cave of Plato

I send a newsletter every week — free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Or open the full subscribe page.

Popular Mental Models

First Principles Thinking Occam's Razor Circle of Competence Inversion Confirmation Bias Second-Order Thinking Dunning-Kruger Effect Survivorship Bias Pareto Principle Opportunity Cost

Philosophy, Law & Politics

Section 1

Core Idea

The Categorical Imperative, Kant's foundational ethical principle, states: act only according to rules you could will to be universal laws. Before taking any action, ask: what would happen if everyone did this? If the result would be self-defeating or destructive, the action is wrong — regardless of the outcome in your specific case. In business, this model is a powerful decision filter for ethical grey areas. Should you cut corners on quality? Ask: what if every company did? Should you mislead investors about metrics? Ask: what if every founder did? The Categorical Imperative removes the temptation to make yourself the exception. It tests not whether an action works for you, but whether it works as a universal principle.