metametaphysics

Metametaphysics is the branch of philosophy that investigates the very nature, methods, and justification of metaphysical inquiry. While metaphysics studies fundamental ontological questions such as the nature of being, identity, and causation, metametaphysics asks how we should conduct such investigations, what criteria they ought to meet, and how they relate to other areas of philosophy such as epistemology and logic.

The field addresses questions about the scope of metaphysical analysis, the adequacy of metaphysical conceptions, the role of language and thought in shaping metaphysical discourse, and the justification of metaphysical arguments. It also examines the historical development of metaphysical projects and the influence of methodological commitments on metaphysical conclusions.

There are several notable lines of approach within metametaphysics. Some scholars adopt a formal analytic strategy, using logical tools to clarify metaphysical concepts and assess their internal coherence. Others draw on phenomenology or hermeneutics to explore how lived experience informs metaphysical statements. A third line of inquiry inspects the epistemic status of metaphysics, challenging whether it can be empirically justified or should remain a purely conceptual enterprise.

Key figures include Hilary Putnam, who explored the metaphysical status of multiple worlds; Saul Kripke, who highlighted the role of linguistic convention; and Gregory Epstein, whose work on the naturalness of metaphysical arguments has shaped contemporary debates. Metametaphysics remains a central dialogue partner for other philosophical disciplines, grounding many of the assumptions that underlie metaphysical theorizing.