Critique of metaphysics has been a persistent theme of the 20th century philosophy. But the limitations of this critique are manifesting themselves more and more clearly. Among these limitations is the fact that both inner and outer nature have form and structure. A Philosophy of nature becomes inevitable. The lifeworld of man cannot be thoroughly understood without a metaphysical dimension.

Nature has always challenged human understanding. But we have almost forgotten that nature as a great enigma, can fill the human mind with contemplative wonder. The problems presented for metaphysics are, as ever, theoretical and aesthetic ones.

This volume treats such metaphysical questions about man and nature and about the relationship between them as arise in the human lifeworld beyond the prevailing critique of metaphysics. The contributions provide a comprehensive elucidation of the theoretical and practical problems of metaphysics. Both classical and modern metaphysical subjects, -- environmental ethics or the relationship between nature, ethics and aesthetics, -- are recurrent themes of the book.

Nature and Lifeworld has been compiled by an international group of European scholars.