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The Practical Imperative is a moral principle developed by the philosopher Immanuel Kant. It is the second of two formulations of the Categorical Imperative and is based on the idea that individuals should treat themselves and others as ends in themselves, rather than as means to an end. In other words, people should not be used merely as a tool for achieving a goal, but rather respected as beings with intrinsic value.

Overview
The Practical Imperative is one of the two formulations of the Categorical Imperative developed by Kant, the other being the Formula of Universal Law. The Practical Imperative is based on the idea that individuals should always treat themselves and others as ends in themselves, rather than as a means to an end. This principle emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every person, and demands that individuals always act in a way that respects this value.

According to Kant, individuals should always act in such a way that they can will their actions to become a universal law. This means that individuals should always act in a way that they would want everyone else to act in the same situation. The Practical Imperative, therefore, demands that individuals consider the effect of their actions on themselves and others, and only act in ways that they would want to be universalized.

The Practical Imperative is often summarized as: "Act so that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means."

Relationship to other ethical theories
The Practical Imperative is a deontological ethical theory, meaning that it is focused on the inherent morality of actions, rather than the consequences of those actions. It is often contrasted with consequentialist theories, such as utilitarianism, which emphasize the importance of the outcomes of actions. However, the Practical Imperative can also be seen as a complementary principle to consequentialist theories, as it demands that individuals consider the effects of their actions on others and act in a way that is respectful of their inherent value.

Criticisms
One of the main criticisms of the Practical Imperative is that it can be difficult to apply in practice. Critics argue that it can be hard to determine what actions are respectful of human dignity in complex situations, and that it can be challenging to determine the intentions of others in determining whether their actions are moral.

Conclusion
The Practical Imperative is a moral principle that emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of every person. It demands that individuals always act in a way that is respectful of this value, and consider the effects of their actions on others. While it can be difficult to apply in practice, the Practical Imperative provides a valuable framework for considering the moral implications of actions and treating others with the respect they deserve.