S/P/53. Are Moral Requirements Categorical Imperatives?

This essay examines the nature of moral requirements, describing the distinction between categorical and hypothetical imperatives. It will consider Kant’s case for the former, and Williams’ argument for the latter, concluding that both elements are important in considerations of what constitutes a moral requirement. There is also consideration of Foot’s conception of ‘moral duty’ and her allusions to virtue ethics. This alternative conception of moral requirements represents an alternative option to imperatives, but is perhaps not sufficient.