REPOST: Pascal's Higher Power

Episode Overview

In this special re-release, we revisit the life and mind of Blaise Pascal, a mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and theologian who left a lasting impact on multiple disciplines. From his early genius in geometry to his pioneering work in probability theory, Pascal was a thinker who never stopped exploring the boundaries between logic and faith. In this episode, Gabrielle Birchak explores how Pascal’s scientific brilliance intersected with his spiritual journey, shedding light on the man who helped shape modern science, mathematics, and religious philosophy.

Whether you're hearing this episode for the first time or giving it a second listen, Pascal's story continues to resonate through the centuries.

3 Things You Will Learn

How Pascal’s early work in conic sections and projective geometry led to “Pascal’s Theorem.”

Why his collaboration with Fermat on probability theory is considered the foundation of modern decision science.

How Pascal reconciled science and religion through his writings, including Pensées and Pascal’s Wager.

Resources & References

Read the blog: Pascal’s Higher Power

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Blaise Pascal

Khan Academy – Pascal’s Triangle and Applications

 

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