Final answer:
Theoretical Ethics, or Metaethics, is a philosophical branch studying the foundation, nature, and meaning of ethical concepts. It examines where moral values come from, what it means to make moral statements, and if objective moral facts exist. Metaethics includes discussions on realism and anti-realism regarding the objectivity or subjectivity of moral values.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Meant by Theoretical Ethics (Metaethics)?
Theoretical Ethics, also known as Metaethics, is a branch of ethics within philosophy that delves into the nature, origins, and meanings of ethical principles. It investigates fundamental questions about the essence of morality and the underlying principles that inform our moral judgments. Specifically, metaethics scrutinizes issues such as where moral values originate, the significance of moral statements like 'good' or 'right', the existence of objective moral facts, the cultural relativity of morality, and the psychological underpinnings of moral values and practices.
Metaethical discussions can be split into two main viewpoints: realism and anti-realism. Realism posits that ethical values are based on objective reality, necessitating a foundation or framework to ascertain what is genuinely ethical. Conversely, anti-realism suggests that ethical values are subjective and rooted in individual desires and beliefs rather than objective truths.
By exploring these concepts, metaethics provides critical insight into how we evaluate moral claims and make ethical decisions, affecting our understanding of concepts like pluralism and relativism in our daily moral considerations.