The Wager, part 2

Pascal's
Pensées
Week 4 - August 7, 2014


How is your reading going?  This week we'll continue the discussion of the Wager, Pense #233.

Why does Pascal introduce a wager, a bet, a "heads or tails" proposition?  Because "reason can decide nothing here."  Because of the truth claims about God as infinite being, Pascal concedes that human reason cannot comprehend the question "Does God exist?"

If reason cannot help, perhaps mathematical reason can.  Pascal begins to take us on a journey of the mind that doesn't prove God's existence, but nevertheless bring rational skeptics to have faith that God does exist.

Pense #233
Penguin, p. 121 (Section 2, II.418)
Classic, p. 66

"Let us then examine this point, and say, "God is, or He is not."  But to which side shall we incline?  Reason can decide nothing here.  There is an infinite chaos which separated us.  A game is being played at the extremity of this infinite distance where heads or tails will turn up.  What will you wager?  According to reason, you can do neither the one thing nor the other; according to reason, you can defend neither of the propositions.

Do not then reprove for error those who have made a choice; for you know nothing about it.  'No, but I blame them for having made, not this choice, but a choice; for again both he who chooses heads and he who chooses tails are equally at fault, they are both in the wrong.  The true course is not to wager at all.'

Yes; but you must wager.  It is not optional.  You are embarked. Which will you choose then?"


Reflection Questions:
Feel free to use the comments link below to post your thoughtful responses

• How important is "reason" to your way of thinking and living?  How comfortable are you with what seems "unreasonable?"

• What do you think of Pascal's setting aside of reason as a possible defense of either the proposition that God is or is not?  Does it make sense to you?  Will it make sense to skeptics you know? 

• Do you have much experience with games of chance?  Considering how the church has often condemned gambling, what do you think of Pascal's move to defend the faith by this means?