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To: Frank Sheed
However, just ask them if they've taken "Pascal's wager." It is in their mathematical best interests to do so by simple probability.

Errr... only with a flawed analysis and/or at least one invalid assumption. You can find discussions of the fundamental flaws in Pascal's Wager all over the net. Some are very simple (e.g. pointing out the invalid assumption required for it to work) while others are mathematically more thorough (e.g. a full-blown expected utility calculus using cost basis). It is essentially an economic argument.

In any case, Pascal got it wrong -- your mathematical best interest is in fact the exact opposite. It surprises me that people still use Pascal's Wager when it has been used as a canonical example of several types of invalid logic and flawed reasoning for ages, precisely because it is so well known and seductively specious. I blame the public schools...

82 posted on 06/18/2006 7:53:58 PM PDT by tortoise
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To: tortoise

You'd think by now a Ouija board somewhere would have pointed it out.


83 posted on 06/18/2006 7:58:35 PM PDT by Gumlegs
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To: tortoise
In any case, Pascal got it wrong

No he didn't. He got it exactly right.

86 posted on 06/18/2006 9:30:51 PM PDT by JCEccles
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To: tortoise
I blame the public schools...

Never attended one...

100 posted on 06/19/2006 7:32:24 AM PDT by Frank Sheed (Tá brón orainn. Níl Spáinnis againn anseo.)
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