Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662) was a French philosopher, mathematician, scientist, and inventor. In mathematics, he was an early pioneer in the fields of game theory and probability theory. In philosophy he was an early pioneer in existentialism. As a writer on theology and religion he was a defender of Christianity. He explained that belief in God could be defended using logic and reason.

Pascal’s Wager is an argument proposed by the 17th-century French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal. It seeks to justify belief in God based on rational decision-making rather than relying solely on religious faith.

Pascal’s Wager can be understood through the following points:

1. The Existence of God: Pascal begins by considering the question of whether or not God exists. He argues that the existence of God is either true or false, and we cannot know with certainty which is the case.

2. Rational Decision-Making: Pascal suggests that belief in God should be approached as a decision based on rationality. He emphasizes that reason can guide us in matters of belief, even when certainty is unattainable.

3. Potential Outcomes: Pascal then presents a decision matrix that weighs the potential outcomes of belief and disbelief in God. He suggests that we consider two possibilities: God exists or God does not exist, and we believe or do not believe in God. This leads to four potential outcomes.

a. If we believe in God and God does exist, we gain eternal happiness (heaven).
b. If we believe in God and God does not exist, we may miss out on some worldly pleasures but lose nothing of ultimate significance.
c. If we do not believe in God and God does exist, we risk eternal damnation (hell).
d. If we do not believe in God and God does not exist, we may enjoy some worldly pleasures but again lose nothing of ultimate significance.

4. Expected Value: Pascal assigns probabilities to these outcomes and argues that the expected value of belief in God outweighs the expected value of disbelief. He asserts that the potential gain of eternal happiness (in case God exists) outweighs the potential loss of worldly pleasures (in case God does not exist).

5. Pragmatic Approach: Pascal concludes that it is rational to believe in God because the potential gains of belief outweigh the potential losses of disbelief. Even though the existence of God cannot be proven, the wager suggests that it is a safer bet to believe in God.

I find Pascal’s Wager useful as a defense against the argument that faith in something that cannot be proven is illogical. However, there is more to Salvation than logic alone.

Briefing Doc: Pascal’s Wager – A Logical Defense of Faith

Source: Excerpts from “Pasted Text” including writings of Blaise Pascal in Pensées and notes by James Gammill.

Author: Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), French philosopher, mathematician, scientist, and inventor.

Key Theme: Pascal’s Wager, a philosophical argument advocating for belief in God based on reason and potential outcomes.

Main Ideas:

1. The Unknown Existence of God: Pascal acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding God’s existence, stating that we cannot definitively prove or disprove it.
2. Faith as a Rational Choice: He proposes approaching belief in God as a rational decision, arguing that logic can guide us even in matters of faith.
3. Weighing Potential Outcomes: Pascal presents a decision matrix outlining four possible scenarios:

• Believe in God, God exists: Eternal happiness (heaven).
• Believe in God, God doesn’t exist: Potential loss of worldly pleasures, but no ultimate loss.
• Don’t believe in God, God exists: Risk of eternal damnation (hell).
• Don’t believe in God, God doesn’t exist: Potential enjoyment of worldly pleasures, but no ultimate gain.

1. Expected Value Favors Belief: By assigning probabilities to each outcome, Pascal argues that the potential reward of eternal happiness outweighs the potential loss of worldly pleasures, making belief in God the more favorable choice.
2. Pragmatic Approach to Faith: He concludes that believing in God is the “safer bet” due to the potential gains outweighing the potential losses, even in the absence of concrete proof.

Important Quote: “I find Pascal’s Wager useful as a defense against the argument that faith in something that cannot be proven is illogical.” – James Gammill

Analysis: Pascal’s Wager offers a compelling argument for belief in God based on logic and self-interest. It reframes faith as a calculated decision with potentially significant consequences, urging individuals to consider the possible outcomes.

Limitations: The source acknowledges that logic alone might not be sufficient for salvation, implying that other factors beyond rational calculation may contribute to religious belief and spiritual fulfillment.