• Unit 1: Blaise Pascal

    Since the term existentialism was not used to describe a philosophical movement until the twentieth century, it is anachronistic to call Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) an existentialist. However, his concern with the limitations of human existence (or finitude, in philosophical terms); the presence of constant change, uncertainty, and suffering in the progress of human life; and the irrationality of human beings' actions has persuaded many philosophers that he is, at the very least, a precursor to the existentialist movement. Pascal was a mathematical genius whose father counted among his friends the French rationalist philosopher and "father" of modern philosophy, René Descartes. In 1654, after a severe bout with depression, Pascal had a religious experience. He entered a monastery and dedicated the rest of his life to defending the Christian faith against its critics. Pascal's most famous work, written as a defense, or apology, of Christianity that included meditations on suffering, sin, and faith, was published posthumously as the Pensées (translated as "thoughts"). This unit will introduce you to Pascal and the Pensées and give you an overview of Pascal's "proto-existentialism", which provided a foundation for philosophical themes – including contingency (or the uncertainty of future events), anti-rationalism, and individual existence – with which many existentialists would grapple a few hundred years later.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • define the term existentialism;
      • identify the key thinkers associated with the existentialist movement;
      • summarize Blaise Pascal's contributions to the history of existentialism;
      • analyze Pascal's critique of rationalism in philosophy;
      • explain Pascal's Wager;
      • identify core elements of Pascal's idea of human suffering; and
      • summarize Pascal's version of religious existentialism.

    • 1.1: Existentialism: An Overview

      • Stanford University: Dr. Steven Crowell's "Existentialism" URL

        Read Dr. Crowell's overview of existentialism. As you read, make a list of the different themes that existentialist thought deals with – for instance, the concepts of freedom, essence, and value. This list of existentialist themes will serve as an informal guide to you as you encounter and build upon the recurring philosophical ideas found throughout this course.

    • 1.2: Pascal's Life

      • Stanford University: Dr. Desmond Clarke's "Blaise Pascal" URL

        Read this article on the life and works of Blaise Pascal. As you read, consider the role that Pascal's particular brand of Christianity plays in his rather negative view of human nature. Pay special attention to section 6 of the article, titled "Pascal and Human Existence". Then, ask yourself whether you agree that it is correct and/or justified to call Pascal an "existentialist".

    • 1.3: The Pensées: A Portrait of Man

      • Philosophy Bites: David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton's "Ben Rogers on Pascal's Pensées" URL

        Listen to the interview. Take notes as you listen, paying particular attention to the discussion of Pascal's characterization of the human experience. Consider answering the following questions: Why does Pascal think of human life as contingent, solitary, and corrupt? What is Pascal's critique of reason and the rationalism of Descartes? What does Pascal mean when he says that the heart has its reasons? Do you agree with Pascal's sentiment that humans beings are destined to suffer?

    • 1.4: Pascal's Wager

      • Pascal's "Pensées" URL

        Read paragraph 233, in the section titled "Section III: The Necessity of the Wager". As you read, attempt to draw a diagram showing your various choices for belief, as outlined by Pascal. Because, according to Pascal, the fate of your eternal soul rests on your belief or lack of belief in God, consider following potential consequences: What if you believe in God and God does exist? What if you believe in God and God does not exist? By the same token, what if you do not believe in God and God does exist? What if you do not believe in God and God does not exist? Ultimately, the "wager" that Pascal proposes should make the potential consequences of the choice to believe or not to believe very clear. Further questions to consider: What do you think is the worst that could happen if you choose that you do not believe in God and it turns out that God does, in fact, exist? If God exists, why does Pascal believe that we are destined to suffer in this life?

    • Unit 1 Assessment

      • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
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        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.