Full Idea
When finite things are grasped according to the determinations of cause and effect they are known in their finitude. But objects of reason cannot be determined through such finite predicates, and the attempt to do this was the defect of older metaphysics.
Gist of Idea
Old metaphysics tried to grasp eternal truths through causal events, which is impossible
Source
Georg W.F.Hegel (Logic (Encyclopedia I) [1817], §28 Add)
Book Reference
Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'The Hegel Reader', ed/tr. Houlgate,Stephen [Blackwell 1998], p.145
A Reaction
This sounds the launching point for a grand philosophical system which makes scientifically inclined philosophers feel very nervous indeed. I think I prefer the old (pre-Kantian) metaphysics.