The Divine and Miraculous within the Material: Pascal’s Metaphysical Commentaries

This new Reader's Edition contains a new Afterword by the translator on Pascal's personal relationship with Descartes and his intellectual objections to the new Cartesian rationality which fundamentally changed the course of both Science and Philosophy and a short biography on Pascal's life and impact. This is followed by a timeline of his life and relationships, an index of his core Philosophic terminology, a chronological list and summary of all of his published and posthumous works, and the text of Pascal's Memorial, a poetic, fragmented account of his divine vision in 1654. These extra materials introduce the reader to Pascal's metaphysical works and bring to life Pascal's witness of the dawn of a new Scientific age.

This is volume 3 of the 7-part Complete Works of Pascal. This volume covers Pascal’s groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, science, and engineering, as well as his Scientific-Philosophical commentary on the Enlightenment's Scientific progress. This volume contains:

1643: Dissertation on the True Meaning of These Words of the Holy Fathers

1657: Questions on Miracles, Proposed by Pascal to Abbé De Barco

1648: Prayer to Ask God for the Right Use of Illnesses

1649: Interview with M. de Saci on Epictetus and Montaigne

Originally published in 1657 under the title "Questions sur les miracles, proposées par Pascal à l’abbé de Barcos", Pascal here raises twelve critical theological questions about the nature, origin, and legitimacy of miracles in order to clarify their role in confirming religious truth and distinguishing between genuine miracles and false or demonic ones. Pascal explores the definition of a miracle, arguing that it must transcend the powers of humans, demons, angels, and all of created nature. He questions whether miracles can be performed by heretics, whether overt or covert, and whether such miracles can confirm false doctrines. His inquiries reflect a deep concern about the authenticity of miracles in relation to the divine will and their role as a mark of the true church. "Lettre sur la possibilité d’accomplir les commandemens de Dieu" (Letter on the Possibility of Accomplishing God's Commandments) was written in 1656. This letter is part of Pascal's contributions to the Jansenist debate, particularly addressing issues of divine grace and human free will. It reflects his theological stance that, with the help of God's grace, it is possible for humans to fulfill His commandments. Pascal also discusses the views of key theological authorities, such as St. Thomas Aquinas, and examines the relationship between miracles and the true church. He asserts that true miracles, when performed, serve to confirm the teachings of the Church and never support heresy. In addition, Pascal addresses the question of whether the Antichrist will perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus Christ or in his own name, concluding that the Antichrist will perform false miracles designed to undermine the faith. The Posthumous Interview with M. de Saci on Epictetus and Montaigne is a dialogue between Pascal and M. de Saci, a prominent Jansenist theologian, in which they discuss the philosophical works of Epictetus and Montaigne. The conversation emphasizes the Jansenist perspective on human depravity and the necessity of divine grace for salvation.

Pascal appreciates the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus, especially his emphasis on inner self-discipline and control of the passions. However, he criticizes the Stoic ideal of self-sufficiency, arguing that it neglects the need for divine grace and the limitations of human nature. The dialogue contrasts Stoicism's reliance on human reason and virtue with Christianity's reliance on divine intervention and grace. It also compares Montaigne's humanistic and skeptical approach to the Jansenist focus on sin, redemption, and the need for a strict moral code. Pascal respects Montaigne for his honest and reflective examination of human nature, but he criticizes Montaigne's skepticism and relativism, suggesting that Montaigne's approach leads to moral indifference. M. de Saci emphasizes the importance of Christian doctrine and divine grace in the attainment of true virtue and wisdom, and supports Pascal's criticism of both Epictetus and Montaigne, emphasizing the limitations of their philosophies compared to Christian doctrine.