metaphysics

the highest form of philosophy, which attempts to gain knowledge of the ideas. Because the traditional, speculative perspective fails to succeed in this task, Kant suggests a new, hypothetical perspective for metaphysics. Metaphysics can succeed only when it is preceded by Critique. (Cf. Critique.)

[L:37] Kant decries the repudiation of metaphysics: "it seems as if we had become perplexed in the investigation of metaphysical truths [but there is no need for the perplexity]. A kind of indifferentism is shown toward this science, as one seems to take honor in speaking contemptuously of metaphysical investigations as though they were mere ruminating. And yet, metaphysics is actually the true philosophy!" [L:74] There is no place for opinion in metaphysics, or "any other science that contains cognitions a priori", such as mathematics and morality. In the Critique, Kant writes of Metaphysics of Morals, Metaphysics of Nature, Metaphysical connection, and gives metaphysical deductions.

The theory of first principles or, as synonymous with ontology , the theory of being as such.