In 1674, Nicolas Malebranche published 'The Search After Truth,' a philosophical work that synthesized Cartesianism and Augustinianism. He proposed the concept of 'occasionalism,' arguing that all events are mediated by God, and emphasized that we perceive all things through divine influence. Malebranche's ideas significantly impacted the development of modern philosophy, particularly in discussions surrounding perception and the nature of reality.

Nicolas Malebranche's 'The Search After Truth' examined the role of imagination and perception, influencing Neoclassical literary criticism. This skepticism towards unbridled enthusiasm shaped the works of Augustan poets, who often employed restraint and reason in their poetic expressions.