CultureSeptember 3, 2026
metaethics
MET-uh-eth-iks
Definition
The branch of philosophy that examines the nature, origins, and meaning of ethical concepts and judgments.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek prefix 'meta-' (meaning 'beyond' or 'after') and 'ethics' (from the Greek 'ethikos' or 'relating to character'). It was coined to describe the study that goes beyond practical ethical advice to analyze the foundations of morality itself.
In the news
Schmid lists metaethics as one of the specialized areas of philosophy he studied and debated on his YouTube channel before his conversion. It highlights the rigorous, academic nature of the content he produced while an agnostic.
‘God is good’: One of the internet’s most popular nonbelievers announces his return to the Church
Read the full article ↗Catholic World Report