Theories of Causation, Newton, and Locke's Argument for God's Existence

Abstract:  This paper argues that the causal principles undergirding Locke’s argument for God’s existence are more complex and more problematic than previously recognized.  It focuses specifically on Locke’s use of causal containment, the idea that features of cause must be somehow ‘contained’ in their effects.  I show that Locke deploys a nuanced version of this principle to avoid Spinozistic conclusions.  Unfortunately, Locke’s use of the principle threatens to undermine his argument that God is an immaterial substance.  While this presents a serious problem, I also argue that Locke has resources to address it.  The resources come from Isaac Newton and the distinctive theory of material substance he developed in an essay known as De gravitatione.