metaethics

Metaethics is the branch of philosophy that explores the nature, origins, and meaning of ethical concepts and judgments. It asks questions like "What does it mean to say something is right or wrong?" and "Are moral truths objective or can they vary?" rather than directly debating specific moral rules. In essence, metaethics examines how we understand, justify, and interpret moral beliefs and language, helping us clarify what we mean when we discuss ethics and morality.