Mechanism necessary for scientific understanding
Nature can't be understood conceptually without determinate mechanistic rules. Science proper is only possible in so far as we formulate mechanical laws of nature—which provide a firm mathematical basis for building theories about the universe.
Immanuel Kent (1790).
Notes: Kant both supports and disputes mechanism, because, on the one hand he thinks that mechanism provides the proper basis ofr science, but on the other hand he thinks that mechanism can't support critical (i.e. moral and aesthetic) philosophy. See "Mechanism can't support critical philosophy" Box 114.