What meaning can be given to the project of metaphysical knowledge of nature ?

The first lesson, "What sense should we make of the project of a metaphysical knowledge of nature?" was devoted to examining such a project and why we should bet on knowledge of this kind. We recalled the terms of the "challenge of integration" (C. Peacocke), clarified in the opening lecture of May 2011, and gave some illustrations of this challenge, before presenting the main opponents to be identified and specifying the particular meaning given to the project of a metaphysical knowledge of nature. Finally, we briefly set out the possible meanings of a "realistic" project in metaphysics, the major pitfalls to be avoided, and already indicate some avenues to be favored.