In this episode, I dive into what I refer to as “Pascal’s Paradox” – the philosophical proposition made by 17th century mathematician Blaise Pascal that it is in one’s self-interest to believe in God, because the potential rewards of belief outweigh the potential costs. I discuss my own contemplations on this pragmatic argument for theism, analyzing its logical merits and shortcomings. Sharing my thoughts as a deist, I explore questions like:
Does Pascal’s Wager truly make rational sense from a decision theory standpoint?
Is belief in God justified by a cost-benefit analysis?
Does this line of reasoning wrongly reduce faith to a transaction?
Join me for a thought-provoking discussion as I unpack the layers of this famous philosophical pondering and what it reveals about human nature through my own existential lens. Whether you’re a believer, a dedicated atheist, or somewhere in between, this episode will provide food for thought and introspection.