Argument Quote by Antony Flew
“Pascal makes no attempt in this most famous argument to show that his Roman Catholicism is true or probably true. The reasons which he suggests for making the recommended bet on his particular faith are reasons in the sense of motives rather than reasons in the sense of grounds. Conceding, if only for the sake of the present argument, that we can have no knowledge here, Pascal tries to justify as prudent a policy of systematic self-persuasion, rather than to provide grounds for thinking that the beliefs recommended are actually true.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Pensées, Blaise Pascal, 1670
Pascal argues that belief in Catholicism is justified as a pragmatic bet, not by evidence, emphasizing motives over logical grounds.
In simple terms: Pascal sees faith as a practical choice, not proof of truth.
Key Takeaway
Consider faith as a pragmatic decision.
Themes
philosophy
faith
pragmatism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal belief decisions
- public discourse
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
betting
self‑persuasion
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is pragmatic belief sufficient for truth?
- How do motives shape belief?
A Different Perspective
Faith may lack evidential support, limiting its rational justification.
![“The Christian religion, [Pascal] claims, teaches two truths: that there is a God who men are capable of knowing, and that there is an element of corruption in men that renders them unworthy of God. Knowledge of God without knowledge of man's wretchedness begets pride, and knowledge of man's…” quote by William Lane Craig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e53/william-lane-craig-8716_begets_the-christian-religion-pascal-claims-tea_832581.jpg)
![“I am open to [the notion of theistic revelation], but not enthusiastic about potential revelation from God. On the positive side, for example, I am very much impressed with physicist Gerald Schroeder's comments on Genesis 1. That this biblical account might be scientifically accurate raises the…” quote by Antony Flew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/151/antony-flew-26504_accounts_i-am-open-to-the-notion-of-theistic-reve_572482.jpg)
