Metatheory
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
A metatheory or meta-theory is a theory whose subject matter is another theory. Analyses or descriptions of an existing theory would be considered meta-theories. For mathematics and mathematical logic, a metatheory is a mathematical theory about another mathematical theory. Meta-theoretical investigations are part of the philosophy of science. The topic of metascience is an attempt to use scientif
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A metatheory or meta-theory is a theory whose subject matter is another theory. Analyses or descriptions of an existing theory would be considered meta-theories. For mathematics and mathematical logic
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Metatheory operates by elevating the level, turning the 'object of study' into the 'framework of the object of study', examining the ontological, epistemological, and methodological presuppositions behind a theory. It relies on the distinction between 'object language' and 'metalanguage', discussing the criteria for the legitimacy of theories at a higher level.
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- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metatheoryverified
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