Salon Philosophique de l'Alliance
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Alliance Française de Portland |
"Oui, mais il faut parier. Cela n'est pas volontaire, vous êtes embarqué:" "Yes, you must wager. This is not optional, you've embarked."
(Pascal, Pensées)
In the 1650's, a would-be nobleman, the Chevalier de Méré, asked Blaise Pascal—philosopher, mathematician, and theologian—for help with a problem he'd encountered in one of the court's preferred pastimes: Gambling. If a game of dice is interrupted, how is the remaining stake to be divided among the players? In answering, Pascal (together with Fermat) invented the mathematics of probability. As if this advance were not enough, Pascal applied it to a deeper problem: What if trust in God and the immortality of our souls is a gamble? Pascal's wager purports to show that the odds are that belief in God is more reasonable than not. In turn, the wager is a model for all kinds of reasoning under uncertainty which we encounter every day in matters large and small. "You must wager" is expanded into a world-view and guide to life.
Join us for a two-part exploration of Pascal’s Wager. These are two stand-alone sessions—participants are welcome to attend one or both, and attendance at the first session (September 25) is not required to join the second (October 23).
This series is open to everyone, whether you are completely new to Pascal or already familiar with his work. No prior knowledge is required.
In the first meeting, we will focus on the historical and philosophical context of Pascal’s thought, as well as his manuscripts. In the second meeting, we will turn to the argument itself and the distinctive form of reasoning Pascal develops. Participants are invited to bring a particularly challenging personal decision to explore how Pascal’s framework might apply.
No French is necessary, though we will look at excerpts from Pascal’s original work.
This is a donation-based event; a suggested contribution of $10 is appreciated, though all are welcome regardless of ability to give.
In the 1650's, a would-be nobleman, the Chevalier de Méré, asked Blaise Pascal—philosopher, mathematician, and theologian—for help with a problem he'd encountered in one of the court's preferred pastimes: Gambling. If a game of dice is interrupted, how is the remaining stake to be divided among the players? In answering, Pascal (together with Fermat) invented the mathematics of probability. As if this advance were not enough, Pascal applied it to a deeper problem: What if trust in God and the immortality of our souls is a gamble? Pascal's wager purports to show that the odds are that belief in God is more reasonable than not. In turn, the wager is a model for all kinds of reasoning under uncertainty which we encounter every day in matters large and small. "You must wager" is expanded into a world-view and guide to life.
Join us for a two-part exploration of Pascal’s Wager. These are two stand-alone sessions—participants are welcome to attend one or both, and attendance at the first session (September 25) is not required to join the second (October 23).
This series is open to everyone, whether you are completely new to Pascal or already familiar with his work. No prior knowledge is required.
In the first meeting, we will focus on the historical and philosophical context of Pascal’s thought, as well as his manuscripts. In the second meeting, we will turn to the argument itself and the distinctive form of reasoning Pascal develops. Participants are invited to bring a particularly challenging personal decision to explore how Pascal’s framework might apply.
No French is necessary, though we will look at excerpts from Pascal’s original work.
This is a donation-based event; a suggested contribution of $10 is appreciated, though all are welcome regardless of ability to give.
Have an Account? Click here to Login