Paradoxes in Man and the Universe by Pascal

Pascal builds his argument in “Man and the Universe” out of a series of paradoxes, seemingly contradictory truths. In writing, “Man and the Universe,” Pascal reflected his views on what is our place in the world as human beings. Pascal’s writing shows a harmony between mathematical certainty and moral truths in support of his argument. In his “Pensees” or “Thoughts,” Pascal hoped to integrate scientific progress with the notion of humankind’s fallen state. Many suggest that Pascal is the “master of paradox.”

A paradox is an idea or situation that appears to contradict itself but that is nevertheless true. The purpose of a paradox is to provoke fresh thought and draw the reader’s attention. An example of a paradox is the statement, “Less is more.”

In addressing his point of view of the universe, Pascal wrote, “I will picture to him not only the visible universe, but the conceivable immensity of nature, in the compass of this abbreviation of an atom.” Pascal reduces the apparently infinitely great and large to its actual small position. Pascal uses this paradox to show the universe and its great magnitude compared to an atom. The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word, “magnitude” as “greatness in siz

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” The negative attitude towards human nature is the way Pascal describes man. Pascal points out that some humans think they know everything. According to Pascal, we are a weak and fragile being. ” In this paradox, Pascal indicates that man is in search for the truth and happiness.

Pascal’s writing is very universal. ”

Pascal used his many paradoxes to gain the attention of the reader to what is being said. Paradox was used to make Pascal’s writing emotionally intense and concentrated. When we divide, we are not a whole any longer. Rather, it was meant to be something figurative.

In support of his description of human beings, Pascal wrote, “What a chimera, then, is man! What a novelty, what a monster, what a chaos, what a subject of contradiction, what a prodigy!” When Pascal is speaking of human beings, he uses a tone of pity. The universe is just a little dot in nature; a spec in nature. Everything that humans are depends on their thinking. ” A reed is a tall grass that has jointed, hollow stalks. Imagine man as being as a grain of sand within the extent a desert.

Approximate Word count = 1705
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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