The paper critically examines and refutes some of the standard arguments against Pascal＇s Wager, particularly, the ＂Many Gods Objection＂. The paper argues that Pascal＇s philosophical and theological opponents proc...The paper critically examines and refutes some of the standard arguments against Pascal＇s Wager, particularly, the ＂Many Gods Objection＂. The paper argues that Pascal＇s philosophical and theological opponents proceed far too quickly in dismissing his argument as implausible. Their determined attempts to tear down Pascal＇s Wager have caused them to miss its power and force. While the Wager may not be sound for today＇s multi culturally sophisticated audience, the Wager is quite cogent relative to Pascal＇s time, when theism and agnosticism were the only genuine possibilities. Thus, the paper concludes that Pascal＇s Wager is less vulnerable than most detractors seem to think.展开更多
A new mathematical expectation formula with some hypotheses, notions and propositions was given to get rid of the challenge of St. Petersburg paradox and Pascal's wager. Relevant results show that it is very effec...A new mathematical expectation formula with some hypotheses, notions and propositions was given to get rid of the challenge of St. Petersburg paradox and Pascal's wager. Relevant results show that it is very effective to apply the model to solve the expected revenue problems containing random events with low proba-bility but high revenue. This work also provides the probability theory with a more widely applied perspective in group decision-making.展开更多
文摘The paper critically examines and refutes some of the standard arguments against Pascal＇s Wager, particularly, the ＂Many Gods Objection＂. The paper argues that Pascal＇s philosophical and theological opponents proceed far too quickly in dismissing his argument as implausible. Their determined attempts to tear down Pascal＇s Wager have caused them to miss its power and force. While the Wager may not be sound for today＇s multi culturally sophisticated audience, the Wager is quite cogent relative to Pascal＇s time, when theism and agnosticism were the only genuine possibilities. Thus, the paper concludes that Pascal＇s Wager is less vulnerable than most detractors seem to think.
基金the Scientific Research Foundation of Hunan Education Department (No. 05C185)
文摘A new mathematical expectation formula with some hypotheses, notions and propositions was given to get rid of the challenge of St. Petersburg paradox and Pascal's wager. Relevant results show that it is very effective to apply the model to solve the expected revenue problems containing random events with low proba-bility but high revenue. This work also provides the probability theory with a more widely applied perspective in group decision-making.
