Malebranche’s “Crisis of 1677”

Abstract

This chapter reexamines the pivotal shift in Nicolas Malebranche's metaphysics between 1674 and 1678, described by André Robinet as the “crisis” of 1677, and its resolution in the 1678 rejection of Descartes's “creation doctrine.” It argues that Robert Desgabets-typically seen as Malebranche's Cartesian ally-played a catalytic role in prompting Malebranche's break from Descartes's account on the origin and nature of eternal truths. Through analysis of Desgabets's writings, conference proceedings, and correspondence, the chapter shows how his voluntarist theology, aimed at defending Cartesian orthodoxy, prompted Malebranche's relocation of the eternal truths from God's will to God's wisdom. This shift had far-reaching epistemological, theological, and moral implications. Malebranche's revised position sought to safeguard the necessity of mathematical and moral truths and affirm the intelligibility of divine order over divine freedom. The chapter concludes that 1678 marks a turning point in Malebranche's thought, with Desgabets as a key source inducing the shift.