This book explains Pascal's understanding of the cognitive consequences of the Fall. For Pascal, the self is a fiction, constructed from without by an already duplicitous world. Drawing on the Pensees, William Wood demonstrates, by exegetical argument and constructive example, that 'Pascalian' theology is both possible and fruitful.

William Wood, Fellow and Tutor in Theology, Oriel College, Oxford

• Introduction


• 1: The Evaluative Fall: Disordered Love and the Aversion to Truth


• 2: The Reign of Duplicity: Pascal s Political Theology


• 3: The Imaginary Self in a World of Illusion: Pascal on the Fallen Human Subject


• 4: Sin and Self-Deception in Pascal s Moral Theology


• 5: On Lying to Oneself: Analytic Philosophy on Self-Deception


• 6: A Pascalian Model of Sin as Self-Deception: Morally Culpable Self-Persuasion


• 7: The Way Back: On Loving the Truth