Blaise Pascal was a French mathematician and philosopher whose work delved into both scientific inquiry and theological contemplation. Alongside Pierre de Fermat, he laid foundational principles for probability theory. A profound spiritual conversion later in his life redirected his intellectual focus towards theology, leading to his renowned Provincial Letters. Pascal is widely recognized for his Wager, a philosophical argument concerning the rational choice of belief in God's existence.
The work features curated selections from Pascal's Pensées, offering insights into his philosophical and theological reflections. Known for its profound exploration of faith, reason, and the human condition, the text delves into existential questions and the nature of belief. This English translation makes Pascal's influential ideas accessible to a wider audience, highlighting his unique perspective on life's complexities.
A collection of philosohical fragments, notes and essays in which the author explores the contradictions of human nature in pscyhological, social, metaphysical and - above all - theological terms.
The Five Foot Shelf of Classics, Vol. XLVIII (in 51 Volumes)
The book features translations by Mary L. Booth and Orlando W. Wight, showcasing their unique interpretations and styles. It presents a collection of literary works that highlight cultural nuances and thematic depth, offering readers insight into the original texts through the lens of these skilled translators. Their contributions enhance the understanding of the material, making it accessible to a wider audience while preserving the essence of the original language.
Blaise Pascal challenges the notion that embracing Christianity requires abandoning reason. As a seventeenth-century mathematician, physicist, and religious thinker, he aims to articulate the Christian faith to skeptics, indifferent individuals, and critics alike. His writings reflect a profound intellectual engagement with faith, positioning him as one of the foremost prose stylists in French literature.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. It aims to protect and promote important literature by providing affordable, high-quality modern editions that remain faithful to the original text.
For much of his life Pascal (1623-62) worked on a magnum opus which was never published in its intended form. Instead, he left a mass of fragments, some of them meant as notes for the Apologie. These were to become known as the Pensées, and they occupy a crucial place in Western philosophy and religious writing. This translation is the only one based on the Pensées as Pascal left them. It includes the principal dossiers classified by Pascal, as well as the essential portion of the important Writings on Grace.
Created by the seventeenth-century philosopher and mathematician Pascal, the essays contained in Human Happiness are a curiously optimistic look at whether humans can ever find satisfaction and real joy in life - or whether a belief in God is a wise gamble at best.
Translated from German as "Provincial Letters on the Moral Teachings and Politics of the Jesuits, Along with the Life of Mr. Pascal and the History of These Provincial Letters," this book is an important document in the history of the Jesuits and their relationship with the wider world. It offers valuable insights into the religious and political events of the time and provides a glimpse into the complex history of one of Catholicism's most important orders.