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Reasoning Concerning Pascal's Wager, 2001.
The main two types of reasoning used in argumentation and how the argument from Pascal's Wager only provides prudential reasoning for the belief of God.
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 50.95
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Abstract
A discussion of the two main types of reasoning and an in-depth definition of each to help the reader understand each before taking a look at Pascal's Wager Argument. The paper then uses the knowledge of each type of reasoning to show how the Pascal's Wager argument only uses prudential reasoning.
From the Paper
"The phrase 'a good reason to believe' is ambiguous between a prudential and an epistemic reading. A good prudential reason for something means that it is in one's self-interest to believe it over something he or she would otherwise choose. A good epistemic reason for something, on the other hand, is when one knows of a valid and sound argument supporting it. "
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Pascal?s Wager, 2005.
This paper discusses Blaise Pascal's "wager", a fundamental philosophical argument defending belief in God.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, through logical analysis based on a punishment-reward premise, Pascal shows that believing in God is preferable to not believing. The author points out that the argument is called a "wager" because Pascal phrases it as a sort of bet: The individual has a better chance of being rewarded through belief than through denial; therefore, Pascals' wager defends belief in God through reason and appeal to basic self-interest rather than through theological or mystical proofs. The paper states that, although Pascal's theory is compelling and cleverly worded, the wager has several rhetorical and logical flaws: For example, Pascal's vision is overtly monotheistic and his worldview is essentially dualistic; however, Pascal would not admit to the possibility of multiple Gods because the philosopher's stance was rooted in Christian apologetic literature.
From the Paper
"Ironically, to promote belief in a Christian God, Pascal avoids a direct discussion of Christian theology. Doing so strengthens the appearance of logic and underscores the statistical evidence that Pascal uses to promote theism. However, the absence of any real appeal to mysticism or to matters of the heart ends up weakening the wager. Pascal neglects what could be powerful appeals to emotion, which are essential to most compelling arguments. Also, although Pascal avoids a direct discussion of Christian theology, the philosopher cannot help but insert phrases like "eternal life and happiness," which are written to stimulate an emotional response in the reader. Betting on God brings "eternal life and happiness," according to Pascal, and therefore, no reasonable sane person would not believe in God."
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Pascal's Wager, 2004.
An overview of Pascal's beliefs on God and faith.
1,821 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Pascal makes the argument that belief in the existence of God puts the believer in a more desirable situation at death than that of the non-believer. It looks at how he bases his reasoning upon the possible rewards and losses of belief in God, compared to the rewards and losses of non-belief. It also explores how Pascal?s God is the Judeo-Christian God and how the rules of faith for him are contained in the Bible. It attempts to show how Pascal provides a way for the skeptic to come to God through his 'Wager'.
From the Paper
"Societies must agree upon an objective idea of morality to exist without anarchy. Consider the rewards given to the believer. According to Scripture, heaven awaits those who come to God through Jesus. One?s sins and transgressions are washed clean and one experiences reunification with one?s creator, but only if one believes in God. An eternity in the Kingdom, free from need or want is the prize. If God does not exist, the believer suffers no loss. Nothing comes after death. If there is no God, then when one dies one simply ceases to be. One cannot remember being alive prior to one?s own existence, so non-existence after death would be the same thing. The only logical choice, then, is to believe in God. One gains everything or loses nothing depending upon the existence or non-existence of God.
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"Wager for Skeptics", 2007.
An exploration of Blaise Pascal's novel argument for the logical belief in God, as presented in "Wager for Skeptics."
1,397 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a clear explanation of Blaise Pascal's "Wager for Sceptics." It explores, in depth, its merits and its flaws and focuses on the flaws in Pascal's reasoning that resulted in it not achieving his stated goal. This paper demonstrates that, ultimately, the arguments against the "Wager for Skeptics" all stem from the incomprehensible nature of infinity, a notion that lies at the heart of Pascal's work.
From the Paper
"Emanating from his mathematical background, comes Blaise Pascal's Wager - a line of reasoning designed to lure people into the Christian faith. Pascal is acutely aware of human nature, and so bases his campaign around the reader's self-interests, rather than actual theological proofs. The Wager's basic proposition is that if a person believes in the Christian God, there is a chance of them gaining infinite reward. Conversely, if a person does not believe in God, they have no chance of gaining the reward which is on offer. This is a deceptively simple choice: one that immediately appears both enticing and convincing. However, our initial arousal begins to subside just as quickly when we realise that there are major flaws in Pascal's reasoning. Pascal attempts ardently, though unconvincingly, to quash some of the objections that might be proposed. The argument itself, however, if taken as convincing, leads to some unexpected outcomes - ones that do not align with those that Pascal intended. Ultimately, the Wager does not succeed in providing a compelling reason for believing in Pascal's God over any other form of belief."
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The Pascal's Triangle, 2004.
This paper discusses the life of Blaise Pascal and Pascal's Triangle.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the mathematical formula known as "Pascal's Triangle" was simultaneously discovered centuries before Pascal by the Chinese and the Persians; it was even mentioned by Omar Khayyam centuries before Pascal. Pascal, however, one of the world's most famous mathematicians, was the first "modern" mathematician to realize the true potential of the formula and apply it. The author points out that Pascal's Triangle contributed to the understanding of probabilities, which led to the development of "average gain" or "probable gain" formulas that are still used extensively in business and industry. The paper relates that there is one problem with Pascal's formula: as the numbers increase, the triangle takes much longer to solve, and the formula becomes ungainly, but mathematicians have learned to cope with the formula and have created alternates that let them work with the numbers more effectively. Formula included.
From the Paper
"The mathematical formula known as "Pascal's Triangle" has long been attributed to the great mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal, who lived in France during the 17th century. Pascal only lived to be thirty-nine years old, but during his lifetime, he made significant achievements in mathematics and philosophy, and may be most well known for the mathematical formula of Pascal's Triangle, which he did not invent, but has long received credit for inventing. Pascal was a bright child, who created the first known type of automatic calculator at the age of nineteen, and invented the modern-day barometer before he turned thirty-one."
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Blaise Pascal, 2006.
An overview of the life and career of seventeenth century mathematical genius, Blaise Pascal.
1,317 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the life history of Blaise Pascal, born in France in 1662 and who died at the age of 39 from stomach cancer. The paper examines some of the great contributions made by Pacale to the maths field, including the first mathematical device, the creation of "Pascale's Triangle" and his theory of probability and causes.
Paper Outline:
A Genius is Born
Pascal's Education
Acceptance by the Mathematical Community
The Development of the Adding Machine and Other Experiments
Pascal's Triangle
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"When he turned fourteen, Pascal began to accompany his father to weekly geometrical discussions with what would later become the French Academy. The geometricians at these meetings included Roberval, Mersenne, Mydorge, Carcavi, Auzout, Mylon, Desargues and other's. The meetings were held at the home of Mersenne. Mersenne was a member of a religious order called the Minims. This is important, because later in his life Pascal would abandon math to study religion for several years."
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Blaise Pascal, 2002.
This paper examines the life of French mathematician Blaise Pascal, also a philosopher, writer, physicist,and Christian apologist.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Pascal's study of mathematics and geometry helped lead to the invention of hydraulics, resulting in such modern innovations as the hydraulic press and medical syringe. The author explores Pascal's discoveries on probability, which resulted in gambling methodology and laid the foundation for statistics and insurance analysis. The author concludes that Pascal's growing religious convictions, later in his short life, included an attempt to strengthen traditional faith by applying the rational thought of modern science.
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Montaigne and Pascal, 2002.
A comparison of the views of Montaigne and Pascal.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the views of Montaigne and Pascal. It explores the beliefs that are written in Montaigne's "Of Repentance" and Pascal's "Man in Ignorance of God." Overall, Montaigne stresses the existence of a moral structure inside every human being, while Pascal stresses the importance of thought in human beings.
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Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes, 2006.
This paper compares and analyzes the philosophies of Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the philosophy of Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes through a textual analysis. By observing the subjective reasoning that both of these philosophers imply, one can realize why they choose an inner relativity in relation to the truth. Although the truth in philosophy always questions the objectivity of truth in normative "Enlightenment Era" philosophy, Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes agree that the human mind can perceive truth within its own reasoning apparatus. The paper explains that in essence, Montaigne and Descartes agree on the subjective will of the mind that reveals the pattern of truth in human thought.
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Pascal Boyer: The New Darwin, 2004.
A examination of the religious theory of Pascal Boyer and how it was as shocking as the theory of Charles Darwin.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Boyer's philosophy of religion, God, and the divine. It explains that, in much the same manner as Darwin, Pascal Boyer entered into a world that again was casting off the moral constraints of a previous generation. It discusses how Boyer insists that religious beliefs are the result of natural brain functions and how this is reflected in a person's daily life.
From the Paper
"When Charles Darwin appeared on the scientific horizon, much of the world was convinced that the religious account of creation accurately declared the genesis of mankind. Although uncomfortable with not being able to touch, taste, smell, or measure the truth of the account, the masses agreed that the biblical accounts of a creator of the species were the generally accepted treatise. However, without any proof, in a society which was being revolutionized by industry and the emergence of formal science, those who disagreed with Darwin had no foundation on which to stand. His theories were quickly accepted because he had put substance to the mythological. He had created a logical, reasonable theory as to the evolution of advanced beings from lesser advanced beings."
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Descartes, Montaigne and Pascal, 2005.
This paper is an analysis of quoted passages by each of the three seventeenth century philosophers Descartes, Pascal and Montaigne.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper cites passages by each of the three philosophers Descartes, Pascal and Montaigne, which are analyzed and placed within the context of the works within which they originally appeared. The author points out that all of the passages and works have a common theme --- whether God exists. The paper argues that philosophers of this period had to fit God into a rational and scientific world view.
From the Paper
"The philosophers of the seventeenth century were, in a sense, inventing modern thought; they had the difficult job of incorporating the system of faith that was prevalent throughout the western world in to the framework of what science was discovering. During this historical time, and perhaps for the first time, faith was not enough anymore. In order to preserve faith, for themselves and for future generations, these philosophers had to prove that faith was justified on the basis of reason, and it is impressive that quite a number of them actually managed to do this quite effectively."
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The Existence of God, 2004.
An examination of the thoughts of influential thinkers like W. K. Clifford, William James, Blaise Pascal, and William P. Alston regarding the existence of God.
1,583 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how W. K. Clifford's "The Ethics of Belief", William James's "The Will to Believe", Blaise Pascal's "The Wager" ,and William P. Alston's "A Philosopher's Way Back to the Faith" all give different arguments about the existence of God. It discusses how, while each argument is interesting and constructive, William James?s argument for the individual right to believe or not to believe seems to be the most workable of all of the lines of thought noted here.
From the Paper
"The super-dominance argument is simply a form of a two by two table, with the condition that God exists or does not exist matched with either your belief in God or your failure to believe in God. If you believe in God, and he exists you receive an infinite reward. If you believe in God, and he does not exist, then you receive a finite amount of happiness because of the comfort of religion while you are alive (which Pascal sets at about 250 units). If you do not believe in God, and he exists, you will receive infinite punishment. However, you do not believe in God, and God does not exist, you will receive a finite amount of happiness, limited to 200 units because of choosing angst over the comfort of religion. As such, whether God exists or not, theists are better off than atheists, making a belief in God the most rational belief."
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Does God Exist?, 2005.
This paper discusses various philosophies, which explore the question: Does God Exist?
845 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that philosophies of religion are divided into theistic, which argues in favor of the existence of God and atheistic, which denies the existence of God. The author points out that the theistic philosophies include teleological, cosmological, ontological, moral and arguments, arguments related to self-interest such as Pascal's "wager" and arguments rooted in the experience of miracles and in religious experience. The paper relates that atheistic refutations include the primary supposition that the burden of proof rests with the theist, that evil exists and that there is a conflict between divine omnipotence and human free will.
From the Paper
"The cosmological argument in favor of the existence of God is similar in that it points to the physical universe as proof of God's existence. However, the cosmological argument seeks for an ultimate cause of creation. The primary objection to the cosmological argument raises the issue of the ultimate cause: if everything in the cosmos has a causal force, then what, if anything, can cause God? Some cosmological arguments are temporal in nature, that is, they refer to the nature time when determining the cause of creation. Because it is theoretically possible that God has no cause and is a causeless force or being, the cosmological argument cannot actually prove that God exists, only that God is one possible cause of the universe."
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"The Pensees", 2007.
An analysis of "The Pensees", by Blaise Pascal.
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Blaise Pascal characterizes the existence of God as man's search for truth and knowledge about His real being. The paper explores how, by means of defending the Christian belief against those who persecutes and criticize, he later re-affirms this argument by offering several proofs that god really exists. The paper concludes that, even with the non-completion of "The Pensee"s due to Pascal's death, it has served its primary motive and has brought forth all the messages and lessons that Blaise Pascal wanted to convey in his notes.
From the Paper
"In Pascal's arguments about religion, the existence of God and Christianity directly complement the core idea of the Pensees. That is to stand in defense of the Christian Faith. His line of reasoning on religion utters in evidences and proofs that God exists. The God in the Penesees refers to the God of the Christians and other religion which believes that there is a Divine Being that created the world. Pascal describes religion as part of man's duty to seek his God."
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Human Reason in "Pensees", 2004.
An analysis of Blaise Pascal's critique of human reason in "Pensees".
1,465 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper analyses some sayings from the "Pensees" in which Pascal tries to impress the limits of reason and empirical knowledge. It discusses how, instead of glorifying the utilitarian potential of reason and empirical endeavour, on the eve of the Enlightenment, Pascal instead warns of its danger.
From the Paper
"One of the purposes of Blaise Pascal in the Pensees is to delineate the limits of reason and empirical knowledge. It was in the birth throes of the Age of Enlightenment, the period in which empirical knowledge swept aside Catholicism and faith and supplanted them as the underpinning to European society. Diderot, d'Alembert and the French encyclopedists, paved the way for the German idealists, and in turn for the British utilitarians. The corresponding advance of industry and technology made sure that empirical knowledge became more and more synonymous with knowledge itself, all other forms of knowledge gradually being delegated to the status of superstition. Pascal himself is one of the founders of scientific civilisation, and his contributions in fluid mechanics, probability and number theory are of fundamental importance in this regard. The greatness of Pascal lies in the fact that not only was he a progenitor of modern science, but he was equally aware of its limitations. Against the backdrop of the Enlightenment it is fair to assess that Pascal is ignored and overridden in the Western thrust towards technological society."
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