noun
In Kantian philosophy, the unconditional moral principle that one should act only according to that maxim which one can at the same time will to become a universal law.
カントの定言命法は、道徳の普遍的な基準を示している。
Kant's categorical imperative presents a universal standard for morality.
仮言命法 (hypothetical imperative) is conditional and depends on a desired end, whereas 定言命法 is unconditional and absolute.
A Japanese translation of the German philosophical term 'kategorischer Imperativ', composed of 定言 (categorical) + 命法 (imperative).