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Journal article
The Rhetorical Gamble: Sacred Absolutism, Profane Consequentialism, and Pascal’s Wager
The journal of communication and religion, Vol.44(1), pp.50-63
Spring 2021
Abstract
One pervasive feature of modern public discourse is the theoretical clash between the sacred and the profane. This tension often manifests itself in interminable conflicts between appeals to absolute values and consequentialist calculations of outcomes. In this essay, I examine Blaise Pascal’s famous Wager argument in light of the sacred/profane dichotomy. I argue that the central logical conflict in the Wager is Pascal’s attempt to warrant a sacred belief (the belief in God) through a profane, consequentialist calculation (the outcome of a bet). Since sacred appeals permeate modern political discourse, this essay examines the role of the sacred and the profane as competing modes of reasoning. Finally, I envision how a responsiveness to these differing logics can create a new empathetic and charitable approach to political, cultural, and moral controversy.
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Details
- Title
- The Rhetorical Gamble
- Publication Details
- The journal of communication and religion, Vol.44(1), pp.50-63
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Identifiers
- 99380554397206600
- Academic Unit
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities; Communication
- Language
- English