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Metaethics

As defined by Kevin DeLapp (IEP | Metaethics), metaethics "explores the status, foundations, and scope of moral values, properties, and words." Metaethics focuses on what morality itself is, while normative theory and applied ethics focus on what is moral.

For a fast paced and broad introduction to metaethics please check out the Crash Course video offered below:




Admittedly there are many ways to broach metaethics. One possibility is to contrast relativism with realism,and, the individual (the one) with the social (the many). Here is an interaction that highlights some of the possible starting points when attempting to answer metaethical questions:



Is Everything Relative?


Although the noun "metaethics" might be unfamiliar, the concept of relativism is not. Many students will unquestioningly accept the meta position of relativism, i.e., that ethical principles and values are culturally dependent, in their approach to framing morality and ethical philosophy. Here is an infographic contrasting relativism with absolutism:




Moral Absolutism:



Moral Relativism:



All may not be relative:
Source: Ethics Unwrapped; McCombs School of Business


Questions:
  • Do you think tolerance is a virtue? What are its limitations? Can you think of an instance when being tolerant is not ethically ideal?
  • Do you believe there is a set of universal values important to all people? If so, what are they? If not, why?



Moral Pluralism:


What is Human Nature?


Another way to approach a discrete or fundamental understanding of morality is to consider human nature. Do we have a static or pre-defined nature? Are we, and our perspectives, more dynamic?



Thought Experiment:
Who are we? Are we capable of selfless acts? Watch the following video and answer the provided questions:



Questions
  • Can you give one example of a selfless act?
  • What differences might be introduced metaethically if human nature is self-interested?
  • What sense can we make of normative theories in which the agent is expected to act for the greater good? If our nature is egostical, are such theories, e.g. utilitarianism, doomed to fail?

Whence Values?


What insights might be afforded through a consideration of what we value? Are there things that ought to be valued? Why are there conflicting values? Where do our values come from?



Thought Experiment


Have you heard the story about Lincoln and the pigs?

Review of Metaethical Concepts

https://kurtstuke.com/OER/Chasing/Meta/

Supplemental Resources


IEP:

SEP:

1000 Word Philosophy: