Which branch of ethics studies the nature of moral propositions?

Meta-ethics is the branch of ethics that studies the nature of moral propositions. It examines the meaning of ethical terms, the nature of moral judgments, and the foundations of moral principles. This field seeks to understand what we mean when we say something is "good" or "bad" and explores the origins and truth values of ethical claims.

For instance, meta-ethics investigates questions such as whether moral truths are objective or subjective, whether they exist independently of our beliefs, and how moral language should be interpreted. This deeper analysis distinguishes meta-ethics from other branches of ethics, which focus on different aspects of ethical thought and behavior.

Descriptive ethics focuses on what people actually believe and how they behave regarding moral issues, rather than analyzing the nature of moral claims themselves. Normative ethics, on the other hand, seeks to establish moral standards and frameworks for determining what is right and wrong. Business ethics specifically applies ethical principles to business practices and conduct but does not delve into the foundational aspects of moral propositions.