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[[Image:Pscal.jpg|thumb|right|Blaise Pascal]]

[[Image:Pscal.jpg|thumb|right|Blaise Pascal]]

'''Blaise Pascal''' (1623-1662) was a French mathematician and philosopher.  Homeschooled by his father, Pascal wrote his first scientific paper at age 8 and by 16 had written a mathematical essay advancing the field of [[geometry]].

'''Blaise Pascal''' (1623-1662) was a [[French]] [[mathematician]] and [[philosopher]].  [[Homeschooled]] by his father, Pascal wrote his first scientific paper at age 8 and by 16 had written a mathematical essay advancing the field of [[geometry]].

At age 19, Pascal invented the first calculating machine.  At age 23, Pascal proved the existence of the vacuum, which made possible barometers, hydraulic devices and hypodermic syringes.   

At age 19, Pascal invented the first calculating machine.  At age 23, Pascal proved the existence of the [[vacuum]], which made possible barometers, hydraulic devices and hypodermic syringes.   

Pascal is credited with developing the mathematical theory of probability.  He also contributed to calculus.

Pascal is credited with developing the mathematical [[theory of probability]].  He also contributed to [[calculus]].

At age 31, Pascal developed a deep relationship with Christ.  To help others know Christ, Pascal proposed a "wager" (Pascal's wager):   

At age 31, Pascal developed a deep relationship with [[Christ]].  To help others know Christ, Pascal proposed a "wager" ([[Pascal's wager]]):   

:Christianity must be either true or false. If you bet that it's true and accept Christ, then if it is true you have gained everything. If it's false, then you've lost nothing and have had a good and happy life. But if you bet that Christianity is false, and it turns out to be true, then you have lost everything.

:Christianity must be either true or false. If you bet that it's true and accept Christ, then if it is true you have gained everything. If it's false, then you've lost nothing and have had a good and happy life. But if you bet that Christianity is false, and it turns out to be true, then you have lost everything.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pascal, Blaise}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pascal, Blaise}}

[[Category:Philosophers]]

[[Category:Philosophers]]

[[Category:Mathematicians]]

[[Category:Mathematicians]]

[[Category:Religion]]

[[Category:Religion]]