What is Blaise Pascal known for?

Blaise Pascal is known for being a French scientist, mathematician, and philosopher. He conducted pioneering experiments with barometers, invented a calculating machine, proposed that belief in god was one's best bet (Pascal's wager), and has several mathematical theorems named after him.

What is "Pascal's wager"?

"Pascal's wager" was proposed by Blaise Pascal as a way to convince people to believe in God since if God does not exist then one has nothing to lose in the afterlife. If God does exist, once gains eternal salvation.

Blaise Pascal Timeline

Definition

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French scientist, mathematician, and philosopher whose work influenced both the Scientific Revolution and later European thought. Pascal is known for his practical achievements in science, such as a calculating machine, demonstration of the variations possible in air pressure depending on altitude, and a theory of probability.

More about: Blaise Pascal

Timeline

1623 - 1662
Life of the scientist, mathematician, and philosopher Blaise Pascal.
1642
Blaise Pascal invents a calculating machine.
1648
Blaise Pascal conducts pratical tests of a barometer at varying altitudes.
1654
Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat work on a theory of probability.
1655
Blaise Pascal retreats to a life of philosophical contemplation at the Abbey of Port-Royal-des-Champ in France.
1657
Blaise Pascal writes his Lettres provinciales.
19 Aug 1662
Blaise Pascal dies in Paris.
c. 1670
Posthumous publication of Pensées by Blaise Pascal.

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