Blaise Pascal (1623-62)

Major work

•          Pensees

Importance

•          French mathematician, scientist, philosopher, and religious thinker

•          Known for “Pascal’s Wager”–belief in God is a good bet because the consequences of not believing are much greater

•          Said it was possible to have reasons for believing something without evidence (moderate fideist view of faith)

•          Rejected philosophy’s worth

•          Believed original sin explains mystery of man

•          Wrote against views of the Jesuits