Blaise Pascal: Reason AND Faith Leads to Great Things

Blaise Pascal was a great scientific mind of his time. After building 50 prototypes he invented the mechanical calculator - the Pascaline. With Fermat he helped develop probability, and he had brilliant insights in the philosophy of mathematics.

He invented the hydraulic press and the syringe. The famous “Pascal wager” (on the existence of God) is a seminal contribution to game theory, probability and decision theory. Pascal the computer programming language is named after him, and Pascal is a unit of pressure.

Pascal’s Pensées (1660) includes the well-known distinction between the mathematical and intuitive minds: the “esprit de géométrie” and the “esprit de finesse”. Someone of the mathematical mind is used to clear and unchallenged principles, so doesn’t trust intuitive knowledge.

But as a result of this over-exacting mindset they miss out on other kinds of knowing. For Pascal, intuitive principles (the laws of life, if you like) - are “felt rather than seen”. They are real nonetheless.

We should nurture our intuition or metaphysical sense because it is an efficient way of making our way in the world, taking us to the heart of matters. Yet we should also be open to accepting abstract principles appreciated through reason.

The most famous line in the Pensées is “Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point”, which means, “The heart has its reasons, of which reason knows not of”.

Often used to explain the actions of people in love, Pascal’s meaning was more general. We shouldn’t doubt our reasoning powers, but the highest kind of reason is being able to admit there are matters where reason stops, and which submit to a different kind of reality.

This scientist and mathematician wanted passionately to know everything about the world. Yet he was wise enough to admit that not everything could be known. God wants us to use our reason to advance in the world AND accept that we are “spiritual beings having a human experience”

On the big existential questions we need ultimately to submit to a greater intelligence. Our “heart” or intuition is the connection to it. In short, spiritual belief makes us more rational, not less.