What is the goal of Meta-ethics in moral discussions?

The goal of Meta-ethics in moral discussions is to analyze the meaning of ethical terms and propositions. This branch of ethics goes beyond simply determining what is right or wrong; instead, it delves into understanding the nature of ethical judgments, the meaning behind moral language, and the foundational principles that inform ethical reasoning.

For instance, Meta-ethics explores questions such as: What do we mean when we say something is "good" or "wrong"? Are moral values objective or subjective? By focusing on these foundational issues, Meta-ethics helps clarify how ethical discussions are framed and understood, providing a deeper insight into the philosophical underpinnings of moral beliefs.

In contrast, defining the correct ethical standards pertains more to normative ethics, which seeks to establish rules or principles for behavior. Similarly, determining the consequences of actions aligns with consequentialist theories, and assessing individual moral actions is more associated with applied ethics. Each of these areas has its own specific focus and does not directly engage with the meta-level analysis that is characteristic of Meta-ethics.