[VIDEO] What Is Metaethics?

Most of us probably have some ideas about what constitutes our personal brand of ethics: questions about what is morally right and wrong pervade philosophy and everyday life. But what about metaethics? What is the difference between a moral realist and anti-realist? Between a moral absolutist and cultural relativist? Which one are you?

Most of us probably have some ideas about what constitutes our personal brand of ethics: questions about what is morally right and wrong pervade philosophy and everyday life. But what about metaethics? What is the difference between a moral realist and anti-realist? Between a moral absolutist and cultural relativist? Which one are you? Examining these broader categorizations of ethical thought could help you gain a better grasp of some of your underlying metaethical beliefs, your beliefs about what morality is. 

In this episode of Crash Course Philosophy, we are given a brief overview of several metaethical stances, as well as an introduction to what makes an ethical theory. 

Where do you stand on the metaethical spectrum? Are you a moral realist or anti-realist? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. 

Want to test your moral intuitions? Check out our episode, Moral Dilemmas and Moral Ambiguity.

Still curious? Listen to our episode on Moral Luck.