A Brief Study of the Concept of Nature in Kant’s three Critiques

In critical philosophy, nature is sum of objects of the activity of judging. Because this activity is autonomous, i.e. according to transcendental principles, nature is a horizon constituted by these principles. In first Critique, nature is domain of objects of finite cognition as far as their form is concerned, and constituted by transcendental principles of understanding. The constitution of form of object, not of its matter, is possible because of finitude of man's cognition. In second Critique, nature is domain of objects of reason, i.e. free wills, and constituted by moral law. Finality of this nature is mark of finitude of man's action. In third Critique, nature is a priori horizon opened by transcendental principle of reflective judging. It is a field where man reflects upon objects of cognition as far as their diversity and contingency is concerned, and this is another aspect of the finitude of man's cognition. Thus analysis of concept of nature through three Critiques is analysis of man's finitude. In its totality, this analysis shows what it means to be a man, i.e. a finite free being in sensible world. This is how Kant's analysis of concept of nature through three Critiques is a part of his effort to answer the one question which he says to be the main question of critical philosophy, i.e. that of what man is. And as it is clear, we can understand this answer and so the critical philosophy only if we consider all three Critiques.