Metanorm

Metanorm, also written meta-norm, is a term used in philosophy to denote a norm about norms. It refers to a higher‑order normative principle that governs, justifies, or critiques other norms rather than prescribing direct actions. As such, metanorms function at the level of norm creation and evaluation: they set standards for how norms should be formed, tested for justification, enforced, revised, or discarded.

In discussions of normativity, metanorms help analyze questions such as whether a given norm is coherent with the rest of a normative system, whether claims have sufficient justification, and whether enforcement procedures are fair and transparent. They are used to examine how norms interact, how conflicts between norms should be resolved, and what counts as legitimate grounds for adopting or abandoning norms.

Examples of metanorms include requirements that norms be consistent with each other, that norms be publicly justifiable to those affected, or that there be transparent processes for revising norms. A metanorm might also demand that norms be subject to revision in light of new reasons or evidence, ensuring that the normative system remains responsive and coherent.

Applications of the concept appear in metaethics, jurisprudence, and social-norm theory, where scholars analyze the foundations and governance of normative systems. Critics note that metanorms can be highly abstract and may threaten to become circular or self‑justifying if not carefully grounded. Nevertheless, they provide a framework for scrutinizing how norms themselves are chosen, justified, and maintained.

See also: norm, normativity, metaethics, meta-normativity.