Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Totalitarianist · 05-07-2003, 02:21 PM

I am reading Micromegas by Voltaire. Here is an interesting quotation therefrom:

". . . Pascal . . . later preferred to be a fairly mediocre metaphysician than a great geometrician."

What is your opinion on Pascal?

Mat Wilder · 05-07-2003, 10:32 PM

As a theologian I think Pascal was great. However, I am slowly moving into agnosticism/atheism which would make Pascal irrelevant.

Ensign Steve · 05-09-2003, 12:22 AM

I like his triangle. It really helps when factoring polynomials.

Keith Russell · 05-09-2003, 12:22 PM

Mat, what is the standard by which one can measure a 'great' theologian?

Keith.

Spawn of Satan · 05-09-2003, 02:00 PM

Pascal's Wager is the funniest thing ever.

Summarized:
If you don't believe in god, and the church is false, you lose nothing. If the church is true, you burn in hell.
If you do believe in god, and the church is true, you gain nothing. If the church is false, you win eternity in heaven.

05-07-2003, 02:21 PM	#1
Totalitarianist Banned Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 1,234	Pascal: a waste of genius I am reading Micromegas by Voltaire. Here is an interesting quotation therefrom: ". . . Pascal . . . later preferred to be a fairly mediocre metaphysician than a great geometrician." What is your opinion on Pascal?

05-07-2003, 10:32 PM	#2
Mat Wilder Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: St. Cloud, MN Posts: 836	Mixed As a theologian I think Pascal was great. However, I am slowly moving into agnosticism/atheism which would make Pascal irrelevant.

05-09-2003, 12:22 PM	#4
Keith Russell Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 1,336	Sincerely curious... Mat, what is the standard by which one can measure a 'great' theologian? Keith.

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05-09-2003, 12:22 AM	#3
Ensign Steve Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Augusta, Georgia, United States Posts: 1,235	I like his triangle. It really helps when factoring polynomials.

05-09-2003, 02:00 PM	#5
Spawn of Satan New Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 1	Pascal's Wager is the funniest thing ever. Summarized: If you don't believe in god, and the church is false, you lose nothing. If the church is true, you burn in hell. If you do believe in god, and the church is true, you gain nothing. If the church is false, you win eternity in heaven.

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