Pascal: "The Wager"

Question 1

Does Pascal think that we can know that God exists? Why/why not?

Answer 1

No, God is infinite… we, as finite beings, cannot fully believe in God’s existence.

Question 2

What role does reason play in demonstrating the existence or non-existence of God according to Pascal?

Answer 2

Any percentage that God may exist makes believing in him a quality bet.

Question 3

What is Pascal’s wager? Why is it rational to wager?

Answer 3

Pascal’s wager is to believe in God, even the tiny possibility that God exists makes the bet worth it.

Question 4

What is the outcome of Pascal’s wager if God exists and you do believe?

Answer 4

Infinite positive

Question 5

What is the outcome of Pascal’s wager if God exists and you do not believe?

Answer 5

Infinite negative

Question 6

What is the outcome of Pascal’s wager if God does not exist and you believe?

Answer 6

You were a moral, respectful, ethical person on earth

Question 7

What is the outcome of Pascal’s wager if God does not exist and you do not believe?

Answer 7

Worldly gain, short-term.. “right” in theory

Question 8

Why must we wager now?

Answer 8

There are no second chances.

Question 9

Does Pascal think we can choose to believe in God? What does wagering in this context actually mean.

Answer 9

No, we should at least go through the religious motions. (“Fake it ‘till you make it”)

Question 10

Potential objections to Pascal’s wager…

Answer 10

• Don’t try to manipulate God
• The “many gods” objection: which god(s) am I supposed to believe in?