Moral imperatives are principles or rules that guide individuals in determining what is right or wrong. They often stem from ethical theories and can influence personal behavior and societal norms. These imperatives suggest that certain actions are necessary for moral reasons, regardless of the consequences. For example, the categorical imperative proposed by Immanuel Kant emphasizes that one should act only according to maxims that can be universally applied. This means that if an action is deemed morally right, it should be acceptable for everyone to perform it in similar situations.