The concept of meta-level thinking has been debated in various fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and science. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of meta-level thinking, particularly in the context of moral judgements.

At its core, meta-level thinking refers to a level of understanding that goes beyond the surface-level or object level. It involves having a metacognitive awareness of one's own mental processes, as well as those of others. In other words, meta-level thinking is about being aware of how we think, feel, and communicate.

In philosophy, there are two main debates surrounding moral judgements. Non-cognitivists argue that moral statements do not aim to describe reality but rather express non-cognitive mental states. On the other hand, cognitivists believe that moral statements express cognitive mental states, aiming to describe reality and can be true or false.

Another debate in philosophy revolves around whether mind-independent moral properties exist. Moral anti-realists argue that such properties do not exist, while moral realists contend that there are indeed mind-independent moral facts.

In addition to these debates, there is a second related discussion about what moral judgements mean. For instance, the statement 'murder is wrong' can be seen as expressing a moral fact because the act of murder has the property of wrongness. This highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between language and reality in moral discourse.

Meta-level thinking plays a crucial role in this debate, as it involves having a metacognitive awareness of one's own mental processes and how they relate to the world. By recognizing the distinction between object level and meta-level, individuals can better understand their own biases and assumptions, leading to more informed and nuanced moral judgements.

In mathematics, the concept of meta-level thinking has been used to formalize the distinction between object level and meta-level in logic itself. This has led to a deeper understanding of the nature of mathematical truth and the role of language in conveying it.

Finally, in science, meta-level thinking has been used to describe developments within science itself. For instance, the term 'revolution' has been applied to significant scientific breakthroughs, such as the Copernican Revolution.

In conclusion, meta-level thinking is a crucial concept that has far-reaching implications across various fields. By recognizing and understanding the distinction between object level and meta-level, individuals can better comprehend their own mental processes, communicate more effectively, and arrive at more informed moral judgements.

Define meta level