Pascal's Method

FAIN: FA-10998-75

Jan Miel
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT 06459-3208)

To write a full length study of Pascal's method, i.e., of his method of analyzing and solving problems in a variety of fields. Pascal is the author of important contributions to methodology in mathematics, physics, logic, linguistics, and theology. The study will include an analysis of these statements and will use the results in an analysis of his approach to other problems in his other writings, especially the Pensees. Such a study will contribute first to our understanding of Pascal, and particularly of the Pensees. Even more importantly, it will show how a great mind, primarily trained in science, approached problems in philosophy, aesthetics, political theory, psychology, and religion.