meta–

metatheory can be considered part of philosophy

, specifically within the subfields of philosophy of science, metaphysics, and epistemology. Metatheory is the set of fundamental assumptions and principles that shape a particular field of study, including philosophy itself. It can be seen as the philosophy behind the theory, guiding how phenomena are understood and researched.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Metatheory as the foundation of research:In any field, including philosophy, metatheory provides the overarching framework for identifying research questions, developing theories, and interpreting findings.
Philosophy of Science:Metatheory is particularly relevant in the philosophy of science, where it deals with the nature of scientific inquiry, the validity of scientific claims, and the relationship between science and other fields.
Metaphysics and Epistemology:Metatheory can also be linked to metaphysics (the study of reality) and epistemology (the study of knowledge) within philosophy, as it addresses fundamental questions about the nature of existence, knowledge, and truth.
Metaphilosophy: which is the study of the nature and methods of philosophy itself, is another area where metatheory plays a significant role.

Metaphilosophy is "the investigation of the nature of philosophy".[10] Its subject matter includes the aims of philosophy, the boundaries of philosophy, and its methods.[11][12] Thus, while philosophy characteristically inquires into the nature of being, the reality of objects, the possibility of knowledge, the nature of truth, and so on, metaphilosophy is the self-referential inquiry into the nature, purposes, and methods of the activity that makes these kinds of inquiries, by asking what is philosophy itself, what sorts of questions it should ask, how it might pose and answer them, and what it can achieve in doing so. It is considered by some to be a topic prior and preparatory to philosophy,[13] while others see it as inherently a part of philosophy,[14] or automatically a part of philosophy[15] while others adopt some combination of these views.[11]