Metatheory
Metatheory is the name for a theory the subject of research is another theory or a set of other theories. These include systems theory , cybernetics and computer science .
A metatheory is therefore a theory about a theory or some theories or about all possible theories. She can make descriptive, explanatory, prognostic and recommendatory statements about the subject of her investigation. To this end, she examines the logical structure of the theory (s), the conceptual system , limits, possibilities for development, proof procedures , etc. of the theory (s), using a metalanguage .
Examples
The philosophy of mathematics is a metatheory, the subject area of which is mathematical theories.
The meta-ethics examined ethical theories and basic concepts.
Theories that offer explanations for the development of theories, such as the sociology of science , are also referred to as metatheories.