Let's start with the fact that imperativeness is the foundation on which morality rests. Being one of its properties, along with normativity and evaluativeness, it obliges each member of society to categorically follow certain rules of behavior.
Imperative is a property, a form or a law?
The well-known philosopher Immanuel Kant will help answer this question. In his main work, he deduces several meanings of this concept. First, by imperative he means one of the properties of morality. It is immanent in nature, that is, it is within itself. Secondly, imperativeness is a form through which the prescriptions of morality are expressed and its essence is realized. Thirdly, imperativeness is the law that regulates the observance of morality. It has such properties as objectivity, obligation and comprehensiveness. Each of these definitions reflects the essence of the phenomenon under study equally, but from different angles. Like any object, imperativeness is multifaceted, therefore Kant identifies 2 of its types - categorical and hypothetical. The first one is of particular importance. It forbids people to commit immoral acts because they can become an example for universal behavior. And this will lead to the complete decomposition of society.
The role of imperativeness in the life of society
Imperativeness is the key to the interaction of each individual and the whole society. It serves humanity for many years and contributes to its development. In addition to morality, laws are the main regulator of social life. From this follows the imperativeness of law, without which it could not exist. In this case, it affects the subjects of legal relations and does not allow deviations from prescriptions and alternatives. It is thanks to her that the imperious will of the state is expressed. Thus, imperativeness is inseparable from the freedom of the individual, because with its help the individual can choose moral ways to achieve goals that are consistent with the public interest.
