Trinity Forum Conversations Blaise Pascal as a Modern Guide with Graham Tomlin
Oct 21, 2025
Graham Tomlin, a theologian and former Church of England bishop, delves into the mind of Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century polymath. They explore Pascal's famous Wager, dissecting belief and human longing. Tomlin discusses Pascal's mix of hope and despair, revealing how this shapes our modern understanding of happiness and distraction. He contrasts Pascal's insights with those of Montaigne and Descartes, emphasizing the importance of intuition over pure reason. Their conversation uncovers how Pascal's experiences can guide us in today’s cultural engagement.
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Pascal As Maker Of The Modern World
- Pascal's life combined science, invention, and theology in ways that seeded modern institutions and ideas.
- His work on probability, calculating machines, timepieces, and transit show his practical shaping of the modern world.
Human Grandeur And Misery Together
- Pascal holds a double vision of humanity as both grandeur and misery, drawing on Augustine.
- He argues our self-centeredness pits us against others and explains human cruelty and longing.
Skepticism Meets Empirical Regularity
- Pascal borrows from Montaigne's skepticism but insists absolute skepticism is impossible.
- His experimental science showed him there is regularity in nature that rebuts total epistemic doubt.
