What is the Difference Between Metaethics and Normative Ethics?

The main difference between metaethics and normative ethics lies in their focus and the level of abstraction at which they operate. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

• Focus: Metaethics is a branch of analytic philosophy that explores the status, foundations, and scope of moral values, properties, and words. It deals with questions such as the nature of moral properties, the relationship between moral judgments and reasons, and whether morality is a matter of taste or reason. On the other hand, normative ethics is focused on the creation of theories that provide general moral rules governing our behavior, such as Utilitarianism or Kantian Ethics.
• Level of Abstraction: Metaethics is sometimes referred to as "second-order" moral theorizing, as it operates at a higher level of abstraction compared to normative ethics. It is concerned with how we engage in ethics and the meaning of ethical language. In contrast, normative ethics is more focused on action guidance and provides principles for determining what is right or wrong, good or bad in actions and agents.

In summary, metaethics is concerned with the nature and foundations of moral values and properties, while normative ethics focuses on developing and defending theories or principles that guide moral judgment and behavior.

Comparative Table: Metaethics vs Normative Ethics

Here is a table that highlights the differences between metaethics and normative ethics:

In summary, metaethics focuses on the nature and meaning of ethical concepts, while normative ethics is concerned with determining what is right and wrong and developing moral theories and principles.