October 4 Jim Franklin: Pascals wager
Blaise Pascal argued that even though of God
cannot be proven through reason, or
observation, we should conduct ourselves as
though God exists, because living our lives
accordingly has everything to gain, and nothing
to lose. Arthur Sinodinos, Howard's former chief
of staff when asked about action on climate
change, said "Well, it's like Pascal's Wager - if
you act and it works out, and if you act and you
needn't have, you haven't lost that much. Jim
Franklin explores the philosophical pros and cons of the wager.
Jim is professor in mathematics at UNSW. He has
delivered talks previously at Philo Agora on the
philosophy of Mathematics and Infinity, and the Philosophy of Science
Philo Agora's format is a talk for 20 minutes
starting at 7:30. The presenter then answers any
questions of clarification from the floor. We
then take a break of 10 minutes to discuss the
talk in small groups. The microphone is then
passed around the audience for comment, opinion,
and often counter, to a maximum of 3 minutes. The
presenter is then given a 5 -10 minute reply and
summing up.. We usually finish up at 9pm. The
cover charge is now $8 for the talk which
includes a cup of coffee or tea.Come early if you
wish to eat before the presentation. Con the host
will have a special PhiloAgora plate at about
$10. Details on how to get to the café in Dulwich
Hill are on the
website
<http://www.lastdropcafe.com.au/>http://www.lastdropcafe.com.au/.
It is on Marrickville Road next to Glee Books
Philo Agora
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