About
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French scientist and thinker. A child prodigy, at 16 he stated a foundational theorem in projective geometry. He invented the Pascaline, one of the first mechanical calculators, and conducted pioneering experiments on vacuum and atmospheric pressure. With Pierre de Fermat, he laid the foundations of probability theory. His literary works include the Provincial Letters, a masterpiece of French prose, and the Pensées, a collection of apologetic fragments containing 'Pascal's Wager'. He championed experiment and reason over ancient authority in science.
Major works
- Lettres provinciales (1656-1657)letters
- Pensées (1670)collection of fragments
- Traité du triangle arithmétique (1653)mathematical treatise
Key milestones
- 1642-1644Invented the Pascaline, one of the first mechanical calculators.
- 1654Corresponded with Pierre de Fermat, laying the foundations of probability theory.
- 1656-1657Published the Provincial Letters, defending Jansenism.
Themes
mathematicsexperimental physicsChristian philosophyapologeticsreason and faith
Sources: iep.utm.edu · britannica.com · 171.67.193.20