What can we say we know with certainty? What does it mean to say that we know something? How does knowledge differ from belief? Can an exploration of basic philosophical questions, such as How do we know what we know? and What are the limits of our understanding? inform our thinking not just on intellectual issues, but on broader cultural challenges as well?

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Blaise Pascal - Pensées

Six Thursday Afternoons, June 12 - August 21

Blaise Pascal (June 1623 – August 1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and Catholic writer. He is known for his contributions to mathematics, physics, and philosophy, particularly his work on geometry, probability theory, and his philosophical argument The Wager. He also invented one of the first mechanical calculators, and made significant contributions to fluid mechanics and barometric pressure. Over six Thursday afternoon online seminars the series will cover:

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June 12: “The Memorial” (pp. 285-86), Sections 1-48, 68-118
June 26: Sections 119-188
July 10: Sections 189-202, 397-435
July 24: Sections 504-634
August 7: Sections 635-791
August 21: Sections 792-829, 879-905, 975-988

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Join us as we discuss this foundational work from Pascal. This series continues a broader series on epistemology. All are welcome. Please join us even if this will be your first seminar in the series.