Pascal's Pensees

Pascal's Pensées Pascal's Pensées is a series of fragments written by the 17th-century philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal. The Pensées, or "thoughts," is a personal reflection on Christianity published after his death in 1670. Pascal followed a life of asceticism after a religious conversion, with this book providing a defense of Christianity based on his rational yet personal relationship with God.

This book is considered by many to be Pascal's major life work, as it includes the important concept of "Pascal's wager." Throughout the work, Pascal applies elements of game theory in an attempt to showcase Christianity in a rational light. While Pascal noted the importance of personal choice, he argued that nature prevents pure skepticism and said God was necessary to over come doubt.

The Pensées is made from around 1,000 notes, many of which are incomplete. While Pascal is believed to have planned the order of this work prior to his death, the details were unclear and the final sequence remains disputed. This book has been published in many forms over the centuries, and the order of contents often changes. Pascal's Pensées highlights the hidden link between chance and religion while arguing for the prospect of an eternal reward.