Nicolas Malebranche (1638–1715) was a French philosopher and Oratorian priest known for blending Cartesian Philosophy with Augustinian Theology. His major Work, "The Search After Truth," explores the Nature of human Error and the ways to avoid it, significantly impacting 17th-century rationalist Thought. Malebranche's occasionalism posited that all interactions between Mind and Body are mediated by God, Shaping discussions about Causality and Divine intervention. His ideas, though controversial, remain influential in the realms of Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Perception.
Anecdotes
- Once mistook a cat for a hat due to his poor vision, leading to an amusing anecdote among his students.
- Had a notorious Fear of Water, so much so that he would avoid crossing bridges and preferred to consult with visitors instead of traveling.
- Fascinated by Optics, he was known to dissect a large Number of eyes to better understand the nature of vision and Perception.
Magnitudes
- Seek truth through rigorous Self-examination.
- Question everything, even your deepest convictions.
- Embrace solitude to cultivate profound Understanding.
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