Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science

Summary

In the book «Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science», Immanuel Kant seeks to ground natural science on metaphysical principles that must be a priori and necessary for any science of nature. Kant divides the book into four main parts, each corresponding to one of the fundamental concepts of mechanics: metaphysics of corporeal nature, dynamics, mechanics, and phenomenology. He explores questions such as the nature of matter, motion, forces, and the laws of nature, aiming to show that physical laws can be derived from pure reason. Kant argues that natural science must be based on a priori principles that make experience and empirical knowledge of nature possible.