Journal article
A. D. Bassford
Metaphysica, vol. 21(2), 2020, pp. 199-221
Metaphysica, vol. 21(2), 2020, pp. 199-221
Link
Cite
Cite
APA
Click to copy
Bassford, A. D. (2020). Malebranche on Intelligible Extension: A Programmatic Interpretation. Metaphysica, 21(2), 199–221.
Chicago/Turabian
Click to copy
Bassford, A. D. “Malebranche on Intelligible Extension: A Programmatic Interpretation.” Metaphysica 21, no. 2 (2020): 199–221.
MLA
Click to copy
Bassford, A. D. “Malebranche on Intelligible Extension: A Programmatic Interpretation.” Metaphysica, vol. 21, no. 2, 2020, pp. 199–221.
BibTeX Click to copy
@article{a2020a,
title = {Malebranche on Intelligible Extension: A Programmatic Interpretation},
year = {2020},
issue = {2},
journal = {Metaphysica},
pages = {199-221},
volume = {21},
author = {Bassford, A. D.}
}
Abstract: The purpose of this essay is exegesis. I explicate Nicolas Malebranche's (1674, 1678, 1688, 1714) concept of intelligible extension. I begin by detailing how the concept matured throughout Malebranche's work, and the new functions it took on within his metaphysical system. I then examine Gustav Bergmann's “axiomatic” interpretation, as well as the criticism of it offered by Daise Radner. I argue that Radner's criticism of the interpretation is only partly successful; some of her objections can be met; others cannot. I then develop a novel interpretation of the concept, given insights from this dispute. I call it the “programmatic interpretation.” I argue that this interpretation coheres well with Malebranche's famous Vision in God thesis, as well as many of his other commitments. I conclude by considering a certain pertinent objection to my proposal, summarizing the dialectic, and forcefully restating my case.
Key Words: Nicolas Malebranche; intelligible extension; Vision in God; sensory perception
