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Nicolas de Malebranche was born in Paris. After early studies in his paternal home he studied philosophy in the college of Marche, and theology at the Sorbonne. In 1660 he entered the Oratory, where he came under the strong influence of the thought of St. Augustine which predominated there. But his enthusiasm for Descartes was stronger, and he became an admirer of the father of modern philosophy. He published On the Search for Truth in 1674. It was well received, and caused considerable discussion. His other works can be considered as developments of the doctrine of this, this masterpiece.
Of the two problems left unsolved by Descartes, Malebranche aimed to solve the one concerning the relationship between God and creatures by reducing the connection of causality to God alone.
Doctrine
In regard to the problem of knowledge, Malebranche follows St. Augustine's illumination. By illumination he means that our mind sees ideas in God.
In respect to metaphysics, Malebranche proves the existence of God through the ontological argument of St. Anselm, St. Augustine and Descartes. The divine attributes are those of Catholic teaching. But Malebranche denies any action of spirit upon matter and vice versa. The sole cause of all effect is God. Finite things are occasions for the direct intervention of God (Occasionalism).
Moral evil is reduced to a suspension of the divine intervention and is completely attributable to man.
