(in Polish) Pascal’s Wager from a Contemporary Perspective 3800-PWCP26-S
The seminar is devoted to the analysis and critique of the argument for the practical
rationality of accepting the proposition that God exists, known as Pascal’s Wager. We will
begin by reading the passage from Pascal’s “Pensées” in which he formulates his argument,
and then examine contemporary analytic reconstructions of his reasoning. As will become
clear, Pascal outlines not one but several distinct wagers. We will then consider the main
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criticisms of selected aspects of Pascal’s Wager, including debates concerning infinite utility,
doxastic voluntarism, the hedonistic interpretation of utility, the ethics of belief, and the
mixed-strategy and many-gods objections. These analyses will be conducted against the
background of contemporary decision theory and the dominant interpretations of probability.
We will also discuss the plausibility of the theological assumptions underlying Pascal’s
Wager.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Nabyta wiedza:
Students acquire comprehensive, well-structured knowledge of:
– historical and contemporary analyses, developments, and critiques of Pascal’s Wager;
– the fundamentals of contemporary decision theory and interpretations of probability;
– philosophical discussions of selected theological problems relevant to Pascal’s Wager;
– research methodologies in the humanities;
– key dilemmas of modern civilization from a humanities perspective.
Nabyte umiejętności:
Students are able to:
– effectively search for, analyze, evaluate, select, and use information from both traditional
and electronic sources;
– read and interpret scholarly articles on Pascal’s Wager;
– understand oral presentations of philosophical ideas and arguments in debates on Pascal’s
Wager;
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– accurately use newly acquired philosophical terminology;
– analyze arguments for and against various aspects of Pascal’s Wager, identifying their key
assumptions and theses;
– identify relationships between different philosophical claims and theories;
– select appropriate argumentative strategies, construct critical arguments, and respond to
counterarguments;
– apply interdisciplinary knowledge from various branches of the humanities to creatively
identify, formulate, and solve complex problems; in particular, formulate research hypotheses
and draw conclusions based on the results of philosophical inquiry;
– critically assess the outcomes of philosophical research and other creative works, including
their contribution to the advancement of knowledge;
– actively participate in academic discourse in the humanities;
– initiate and lead debates.
Nabyte kompetencje społeczne:
Students:
– are aware of the scope of their knowledge and skills and recognize the need for continuous
learning and professional development;
– are prepared to critically assess their own contributions to the field of philosophy;
– are open to new ideas and willing to revise their views in light of evidence and argument,
while respecting those who hold opposing opinions;
– organize their work effectively and critically evaluate its progress;
– recognize the primacy of knowledge in addressing research, cognitive, and practical
problems in the humanities.
Assessment criteria
Regular attendance is a prerequisite for receiving credit for the seminar. To obtain a grade of
3.0, the student must submit a report on a paper assigned by the tutor. Doctoral students are
required to deliver a presentation and actively participate in seminar discussions. To receive a
grade of 4.0, the student must submit a report and give a presentation on one of the assigned
seminar readings. To earn a grade of 5.0, the student must deliver a presentation and submit
an essay on a topic closely related to the main themes of the seminar.
Number of abscences allowed per semester: 2