The Cambridge Companion to Pascal

Pascal was one of the greatest minds of his day, and a key figure in my study of French literature thirty years ago. This volume begins with an account of his life and context as part of the inheritance of Montaigne and Descartes, then moves on to a series of scientific and philosophical essays that go a long way towards systematising Pascal's somewhat scattered reflections. His wager on God becomes a consideration of probability theory while his thoughts on the heart's reasons are recast as part of a theory of knowledge. Other essays treat his physics, philosophy of science, his views on grace, social matters and philosophical method, while we finish with a historical piece on the reception of his Pensees in the 17th and 18th centuries. A treasure trove for the Pascal enthusiast that also serves as an introductory overview to his work.