Pascal's wager
noun
the argument put forth by Blaise Pascal that it is in one's best interest to believe in the existence of God, as it is a rational assumption and does no harm, and the possibility of eternal punishment in hell outweighs any advantage of believing otherwise.
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Origin of Pascal's wager
First recorded in 1895–1900; named after Pascal, who formulated his proposition in his Pensées
Words nearby Pascal's wager
Pascal, Blaise, Pascal's law, Pascal's limaçon, Pascal's theorem, Pascal's triangle, Pascal's wager, Pasch, paschal, paschal candle, paschal flower, Paschal I
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for Pascal's wager
Pascal's wager
noun
philosophy the argument that it is in one's rational self-interest to act as if God exists, since the infinite punishments of hell, provided they have a positive probability, however small, outweigh any countervailing advantage
Word Origin for Pascal's wager
C17: named after Blaise Pascal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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