Finogentov V.N. About one statement by Blaise Pascal

The article discusses various aspects of B. Pascal's statement: “I am horrified by the eternal silence of these endless spaces”. Special attention is paid to the consideration of three closely related components of the content of this statement: scientific, philosophical and theological. The discussion in the article allowed us to draw several conclusions. Firstly, it was shown that the statement in question captures Pascal's emotions and feelings (depression, powerlessness, fear) in connection with his recognition of the infinite world. Secondly, it was emphasized that substantiating the assumption of the infinity of the world is a multifaceted and difficult task. In particular, it was pointed out that its special scientific justification is, in fact, impossible. Thirdly, it was demonstrated that the statement under discussion reflects Pascal's highly controversial belief in the insignificance of man in the infinite world. Fourthly, it was proved that these negative emotions, feelings and beliefs contributed to Pascal making a fateful worldview choice for him: choosing a Christian worldview in a rather harsh interpretation for a person. Fifthly, it was suggested and argued that the recognition of the manifold infinity (inexhaustibility) of the world makes, in fact, Pascal's wager pointless.

For citation: Finogentov V.N. About one statement by Blaise Pascal, Ivanovo State University Bulletin, Series: Humanities, 2024, iss. 3, pp. 179—187.