PHIL 101 Lecture 7: PHIL Lecture 7: Pascal's Wager
For the Exam:
● 3 questions each worth 5 points
● Each point is worth a percent
● On what we’ve covered
● 4 big topics - cosmological arg, design arg, ontological arg, Pascal’s Wager
● Prepare for all 4
● No socrates apology until finals
● STUDY THE OBJECTIONS AS WELL
● Briefly evaluate, assess the validity of the argument
● Valid if the conclusion follows the premises, sound if the premises are true
● Bring student ID
Pascal’s Wager
● Suppose that Hume is right that we cannot confirm the attributes of God in the traditional
theistic sense
● Are there any other reasons for believing in God?
● Pascal created a reason to believe despite the fact there were no compelling proof that
God existed
● 1. God is, or is not
● Heads or Tails - there are equal arguments saying God exists and does not exist
● You have to make a choice - not optional
● Two things to lose, true and the good
● Stakes: Reason and will, knowledge and happiness
● If you gain, you gain all
● If you lose, you lose nothing (this is if you wager god exist)
The Argument - General Version
God Exists
God does not exist
I believe
Gain All
Insignificant
I don’t believe
Lose All
Insignificant
● Compare what you gain/lose in the different scenarios - you have the most to gain by
believing He does exist
The Argument - Christian Version
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
4 big topics - cosmological arg, design arg, ontological arg, pascal"s wager. Briefly evaluate, assess the validity of the argument. Valid if the conclusion follows the premises, sound if the premises are true. Suppose that hume is right that we cannot confirm the attributes of god in the traditional theistic sense. Pascal created a reason to believe despite the fact there were no compelling proof that. Heads or tails - there are equal arguments saying god exists and does not exist. You have to make a choice - not optional. Two things to lose, true and the good. Stakes: reason and will, knowledge and happiness. If you lose, you lose nothing (this is if you wager god exist) Compare what you gain/lose in the different scenarios - you have the most to gain by believing he does exist. Suppose that christianity is false and some other religion is true. The wager isn"t intended as an argument for everyone.
