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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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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