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{{Infobox philosopher
| region = [[Western philosophy]]
| era = [[17th-century philosophy]]
| image = Blaise pascal.jpg
| image_size = 220px
| name = Blaise Pascal
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1623|6|19}}
| birth_place = [[Clermont-Ferrand]],<br />[[Auvergne (region)|Auvergne]], [[Early modern France|France]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1662|8|19|1623|6|19}}
| death_place = Paris, France
| residence = France
| nationality = French
| school_tradition = {{vunblist |[[Jansenism]] |Proto-[[existentialism]]}}
| main_interests = {{hlist |Theology |Mathematics |Philosophy |[[Physics]]}}
| influences = {{hlist |[[St. Augustine of Hippo]] |[[Michel de Montaigne]] |[[René Descartes]] |[[Cornelius Jansen]] |[[Epictetus]]}}
| influenced = {{hlist |[[Antoine Arnauld]] |[[Pierre Duhem]] |[[William James]] |[[Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz|G. W. Leibniz]] |[[Léon Brunschvicg]] |[[Alexis de Tocqueville]] |[[Henri Bergson]]}}
| notable_ideas = {{vunblist |[[Pascal's Wager]] |[[Pascal's triangle]] |[[Pascal's law]] |[[Pascal's theorem]]}}
| religion = [[Roman Catholic]]
}}
 
''' Blaise Pascal''' ({{IPA-fr|blɛz paskal|lang}}; 19 June 1623 – 19 August 1662) was a French mathematician, [[physicist]], inventor, writer and [[Christian philosophy|Christian philosopher]]. He was a [[child prodigy]] who was educated by his father, a tax collector in [[Rouen]].  Pascal's earliest work was in the natural and applied sciences where he made important contributions to the study of [[fluid]]s, and clarified the concepts of [[pressure]] and [[vacuum]] by generalizing the work of [[Evangelista Torricelli]]. Pascal also wrote in defense of the [[scientific method]].
 
In 1642, while still a teenager, he started some pioneering work on calculating machines. After three years of effort and fifty prototypes,<ref>[http://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/La_Machine_d%E2%80%99arithm%C3%A9tique (fr) La Machine d’arithmétique, Blaise Pascal], Wikisource</ref> he invented the [[mechanical calculator]].<ref>{{cite book |language=fr|title=Histoire des instruments et machines à calculer, trois siècles de mécanique pensante 1642–1942|first=Jean|last=Marguin|year=1994|publisher=Hermann|isbn=978-2-7056-6166-3|page=48}}
</ref><ref>{{cite book |language=fr|title=Le calcul simplifié|first=Maurice|last=d'Ocagne|year=1893|publisher=Gauthier-Villars et fils|page=245|url=http://cnum.cnam.fr/CGI/fpage.cgi?8KU54-2.5/248/150/369/363/369}}</ref> He built 20 of these machines (called [[Pascal's calculator]]s and later Pascalines) in the following ten years.<ref>{{cite book |language=fr|title=Les machines arithmétiques de Blaise Pascal|first=Guy|last=Mourlevat|year=1988|publisher=La Française d'Edition et d'Imprimerie|location=Clermont-Ferrand|page=12}}</ref> Pascal was an important mathematician, helping create two major new areas of research: he wrote a significant treatise on the subject of [[projective geometry]] at the age of 16, and later corresponded with [[Pierre de Fermat]] on [[probability theory]], strongly influencing the development of modern economics and [[social sciences|social science]]. Following [[Galileo]] and Torricelli, in 1646 he refuted [[Aristotle]]'s followers who insisted that [[Horror vacui (physics)|nature abhors a vacuum]]. Pascal's results caused many disputes before being accepted.
 
In 1646, he and his sister Jacqueline identified with the religious movement within [[Catholicism]] known by its detractors as [[Jansenism]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11511a.htm |title=Blaise Pascal |accessdate=23 February 2009 |work=Catholic Encyclopedia}}</ref> His father died in 1651.  Following a religious experience in late 1654, he began writing influential works on philosophy and theology. His two most famous works date from this period: the ''[[Lettres provinciales]]'' and the ''[[Pensées]]'', the former set in the conflict between Jansenists and [[Jesuits]]. In that year, he also wrote an important treatise on the arithmetical triangle.  Between 1658 and 1659 he wrote on the [[cycloid]] and its use in calculating the volume of solids.
 
Pascal had poor health, especially after his 18th year, and his death came just two months after his 39th birthday.<ref>Hald, Anders ''A History of Probability and Statistics and Its Applications before 1750'', (Wiley Publications, 1990) pp.44</ref>
 
==Early life and education==
Pascal was born in [[Clermont-Ferrand]]; he lost his mother, Antoinette Begon, at the age of three.<ref>Devlin, Keith, ''The Unfinished Game: Pascal, Fermat, and the Seventeenth-Century Letter that Made the World Modern'', Basic Books; 1 edition (2008), ISBN 978-0-465-00910-7, p. 20.</ref> His father, [[Étienne Pascal]] (1588–1651), who also had an interest in science and mathematics, was a local judge and member of the "[[Nobles of the Robe|Noblesse de Robe]]".  Pascal had two sisters, the younger [[Jacqueline Pascal|Jacqueline]] and the elder Gilberte.
 
In 1631, five years after the death of his wife,<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=J.J. |last2=Robertson |first2=E.F. |authorlink1=John J. O'Connor (mathematician) |authorlink2=Edmund F. Robertson |title=Étienne Pascal |url=http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Pascal_Etienne.html |date=August 2006 |publisher=[[University of St Andrews|University of St. Andrews, Scotland]] |accessdate=5 February 2010}}</ref> Étienne Pascal moved with his children to Paris. The newly arrived family soon hired Louise Delfault, a maid who eventually became an instrumental member of the family.  Étienne, who never remarried, decided that he alone would educate his children, for they all showed extraordinary intellectual ability, particularly his son Blaise.  The young Pascal showed an amazing aptitude for mathematics and science.
 
Particularly of interest to Pascal was a work of [[Gérard Desargues|Desargues]] on [[conic section]]s. Following Desargues' thinking, the 16-year-old Pascal produced, as a means of proof, a short treatise on what was called the "Mystic Hexagram", ''Essai pour les coniques'' ("Essay on Conics") and sent it—his first serious work of mathematics—to [[Marin Mersenne|Père Mersenne]] in Paris; it is known still today as [[Pascal's theorem]]. It states that if a hexagon is inscribed in a circle (or conic) then the three intersection points of opposite sides lie on a line (called the Pascal line).
 
Pascal's work was so precocious that Descartes was convinced that Pascal's father had written it. When assured by Mersenne that it was, indeed, the product of the son not the father, Descartes dismissed it with a sniff: "I do not find it strange that he has offered demonstrations about conics more appropriate than those of the ancients," adding, "but other matters related to this subject can be proposed that would scarcely occur to a 16-year-old child."<ref>''[[The Story of Civilization]]: Volume 8, "The Age of Louis XIV"'' by [[Will Durant|Will & Ariel Durant]]; chapter II, subsection 4.1 p.56)</ref>
 
In France at that time offices and positions could be—and were—bought and sold. In 1631 Étienne sold his position as second president of the ''[[Cour des Aides]]'' for 65,665 [[livres]].<ref>Connor, James A., ''Pascal's wager: the man who played dice with God'' (HarperCollins, NY, 2006) ISBN 0-06-076691-3 p. 42</ref> The money was invested in a [[government bond]] which provided if not a lavish then certainly a comfortable income which allowed the Pascal family to move to, and enjoy, Paris. But in 1638 Richelieu, desperate for money to carry on the [[Thirty Years' War]], defaulted on the government's bonds. Suddenly Étienne Pascal's worth had dropped from nearly 66,000 livres to less than 7,300.
 
[[File:Arts et Metiers Pascaline dsc03869.jpg|left|thumb|An early [[Pascal's calculator|Pascaline]] on display at the [[Musée des Arts et Métiers]], Paris]]
Like so many others, Étienne was eventually forced to flee Paris because of his opposition to the fiscal policies of [[Cardinal Richelieu]], leaving his three children in the care of his neighbor Madame Sainctot, a great beauty with an infamous past who kept one of the most glittering and intellectual salons in all France. It was only when Jacqueline performed well in a children's play with Richelieu in attendance that Étienne was pardoned. In time Étienne was back in good graces with the cardinal, and in 1639 had been appointed the king's commissioner of taxes in the city of [[Rouen]] — a city whose tax records, thanks to uprisings, were in utter chaos.
 
In 1642, in an effort to ease his father's endless, exhausting calculations, and recalculations, of taxes owed and paid, Pascal, not yet 19, constructed a mechanical calculator capable of addition and subtraction, called [[Pascal's calculator]] or the Pascaline.  The [[Musée des Arts et Métiers]] in Paris and the [[Zwinger|Zwinger museum]] in [[Dresden]], Germany, exhibit two of his original mechanical calculators. Though these machines are early forerunners to [[computer engineering]], the calculator failed to be a great commercial success. Because it was extraordinarily expensive the [[Pascaline]] became little more than a toy, and [[status symbol]], for the very rich both in France and throughout Europe. However, Pascal continued to make improvements to his design through the next decade and built 20 machines in total.
 
==Contributions to mathematics==
[[File:PascalTriangleAnimated2.gif|thumb|[[Pascal's triangle]]. Each number is the sum of the two directly above it. The triangle demonstrates many mathematical properties in addition to showing [[binomial coefficients]].]]
 
Pascal continued to influence mathematics throughout his life. His ''Traité du triangle arithmétique'' ("Treatise on the Arithmetical Triangle") of 1653 described a convenient tabular presentation for [[binomial coefficient]]s, now called [[Pascal's triangle]].  The triangle can also be represented:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="width:20px;" |
! style="width:20px;"|0
! style="width:20px;"|1
! style="width:20px;"|2
! style="width:20px;"|3
! style="width:20px;"|4
! style="width:20px;"|5
! style="width:20px;"|6
|-
| '''0''' || 1|| 1|| 1|| 1||1||1||1
|-
|'''1''' || 1 ||2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 ||
|-
| '''2''' ||1|| 3 || 6 || 10 || 15 || ||
|-
| '''3''' || 1||4 || 10 || 20 || ||  ||
|-
| '''4''' || 1||5 || 15 ||  ||  || ||
|-
| '''5''' || 1||6 ||  ||  ||  || ||
|-
| '''6''' || 1 ||  ||  ||  ||  || ||
|}He defines the numbers in the triangle by [[recursion]]:  Call the number in the (''m''&nbsp;+&nbsp;1)th row and (''n''&nbsp;+&nbsp;1)th column ''t''<sub>''mn''</sub>.  Then ''t''<sub>''mn''</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;''t''<sub>''m''–1,''n''</sub>&nbsp;+&nbsp;''t''<sub>''m'',''n''–1</sub>, for ''m''&nbsp;=&nbsp;0,&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2,&nbsp;... and ''n''&nbsp;=&nbsp;0,&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2,&nbsp;...  The boundary conditions are ''t''<sub>''m'',−1</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;0, ''t''<sub>−1,''n''</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;0 for ''m''&nbsp;=&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2,&nbsp;3,&nbsp;... and ''n''&nbsp;=&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2,&nbsp;3,&nbsp;...  The generator ''t''<sub>00</sub>&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.  Pascal concludes with the proof,
:<math>t_{mn} = \frac{(m+n)(m+n-1)\cdots(m+1)}{n(n-1)\cdots 1}.\ </math>
 
In 1654, prompted by a friend interested in gambling problems, he corresponded with [[Fermat]] on the subject, and from that collaboration was born the mathematical theory of [[probability|probabilities]]. The friend was the [[Chevalier de Méré]], and the specific problem was that of two players who want to finish a game early and, given the current circumstances of the game, want to [[division of the stakes|divide the stakes fairly]], based on the chance each has of winning the game from that point.  From this discussion, the notion of [[expected value]] was introduced. Pascal later (in the ''Pensées'') used a probabilistic argument, [[Pascal's Wager]], to justify belief in God and a virtuous life. The work done by Fermat and Pascal into the calculus of probabilities laid important groundwork for [[Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz|Leibniz]]' formulation of the [[infinitesimal calculus]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.math.rutgers.edu/courses/436/Honors02/leibniz.html |title=The Mathematical Leibniz |publisher=Math.rutgers.edu |accessdate=16 August 2009}}</ref>
 
After a religious experience in 1654, Pascal mostly gave up work in mathematics.
 
===Philosophy of mathematics===
Pascal's major contribution to the [[philosophy of mathematics]] came with his ''De l'Esprit géométrique'' ("Of the Geometrical Spirit"), originally written as a preface to a geometry textbook for one of the famous "''[[Petites écoles de Port-Royal|Petites-Ecoles de Port-Royal]]" ("Little Schools of Port-Royal")''. The work was unpublished until over a century after his death. Here, Pascal looked into the issue of discovering truths, arguing that the ideal of such a method would be to found all propositions on already established truths. At the same time, however, he claimed this was impossible because such established truths would require other truths to back them up—first principles, therefore, cannot be reached. Based on this, Pascal argued that the procedure used in geometry was as perfect as possible, with certain principles assumed and other propositions developed from them. Nevertheless, there was no way to know the assumed principles to be true.
 
Pascal also used ''De l'Esprit géométrique'' to develop a theory of [[definition]]. He distinguished between definitions which are conventional labels defined by the writer and definitions which are within the language and understood by everyone because they naturally designate their referent. The second type would be characteristic of the philosophy of [[essentialism]]. Pascal claimed that only definitions of the first type were important to science and mathematics, arguing that those fields should adopt the philosophy of [[Formalism (philosophy)|formalism]] as formulated by Descartes.
 
In ''De l'Art de persuader'' ("On the Art of Persuasion"), Pascal looked deeper into geometry's [[axiomatic method]], specifically the question of how people come to be convinced of the [[axioms]] upon which later conclusions are based. Pascal agreed with [[Montaigne]] that achieving certainty in these axioms and conclusions through human methods is impossible. He asserted that these principles can be grasped only through intuition, and that this fact underscored the necessity for submission to God in searching out truths.
 
==Contributions to the physical sciences==
[[File:Blaise Pascal 2.jpg|thumb|left|Portrait of Pascal]]
[[File:Pascal's Barrel.png|thumb|right|An illustration of the (apocryphal) [[Pascal's barrel]] experiment]]
Pascal's work in the fields of the study of [[hydrodynamics]] and [[hydrostatics]] centered on the principles of [[hydraulic fluid]]s. His inventions include the [[hydraulic press]] (using hydraulic pressure to multiply force) and the [[syringe]]. He proved that hydrostatic pressure depends not on the weight of the fluid but on the elevation difference. He demonstrated this principle by attaching a thin tube to a barrel full of water and filling the tube with water up to the level of the third floor of a building. This caused the barrel to leak, in what became known as [[Pascal's barrel]] experiment.
 
By 1646, Pascal had learned of [[Evangelista Torricelli]]'s experimentation with [[barometer]]s. Having replicated an experiment that involved placing a tube filled with mercury upside down in a bowl of mercury, Pascal questioned what force kept some mercury in the tube and what filled the space above the mercury in the tube. At the time, most scientists contended that, rather than a [[vacuum]], some invisible matter was present. This was based on the Aristotelian notion that creation was a thing of substance, whether visible or invisible; and that this substance was forever in motion. Furthermore, "Everything that is in motion must be moved by something," [[Aristotle]] declared.<ref>Aristotle, ''Physics'', VII, 1.</ref> Therefore, to the Aristotelian trained scientists of Pascal's time, a vacuum was an impossibility. How so? As proof it was pointed out:
* Light passed through the so-called "vacuum" in the glass tube.
* Aristotle wrote how everything moved, and must be moved by something.
* Therefore, since there had to be an invisible "something" to move the light through the glass tube, there was no vacuum in the tube. Not in the glass tube or anywhere else. Vacuums – the absence of any and everything – were simply an impossibility.
 
Following more experimentation in this vein, in 1647 Pascal produced ''Experiences nouvelles touchant le vide'' ("New Experiments with the Vacuum"), which detailed basic rules describing to what degree various liquids could be supported by air pressure. It also provided reasons why it was indeed a vacuum above the column of liquid in a barometer tube.
 
On 19 September 1648, after many months of Pascal's friendly but insistent prodding, [[Florin Périer]], husband of Pascal's elder sister Gilberte, was finally able to carry out the fact-finding mission vital to Pascal's theory. The account, written by Périer, reads:
 
<blockquote>
"The weather was chancy last Saturday...[but] around five o'clock that morning...the [[Puy-de-Dôme]] was visible...so I decided to give it a try. Several important people of the city of [[Clermont-Ferrand|Clermont]] had asked me to let them know when I would make the ascent...I was delighted to have them with me in this great work...
 
"...at eight o'clock we met in the gardens of the Minim Fathers, which has the lowest elevation in town....First I poured 16 pounds of [[Mercury (element)|quicksilver]]...into a vessel...then took several glass tubes...each four feet long and [[Hermetic seal|hermetically sealed]] at one end and opened at the other...then placed them in the vessel [of quicksilver]...I found the quick silver stood at 26" and 3½ lines above the quicksilver in the vessel...I repeated the experiment two more times while standing in the same spot...[they] produced the same result each time...
 
"I attached one of the tubes to the vessel and marked the height of the quicksilver and...asked Father Chastin, one of the Minim Brothers...to watch if any changes should occur through the day...Taking the other tube and a portion of the quick silver...I walked to the top of [[Puy-de-Dôme]], about 500 [[fathoms]] higher than the monastery, where upon experiment...found that the quicksilver reached a height of only 23" and 2 lines...I repeated the experiment five times with care...each at different points on the summit...found the same height of quicksilver...in each case..."<ref>Périer to Pascal, 22 September 1648, Pascal, Blaise. ''Oeuvres complètes''. (Paris: Seuil, 1960), 2:682.</ref>
 
</blockquote>
 
Pascal replicated the experiment in Paris by carrying a barometer up to the top of the bell tower at the church of [[Saint-Jacques Tower|Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie]], a height of about fifty meters. The mercury dropped two lines.
 
In the face of criticism that some invisible matter must exist in Pascal's empty space, Pascal, in his reply to [[Estienne Noel]],<!-- WAIT--WAIT! Before you remove the brackets, consider writing a new article! --> gave one of the 17th century's major statements on the scientific method, which is a striking anticipation of the idea popularised by [[Karl Popper]] that scientific theories are characterised by their [[falsifiability]]: "In order to show that a hypothesis is evident, it does not suffice that all the phenomena follow from it; instead, if it leads to something contrary to a single one of the phenomena, that suffices to establish its falsity."<ref>''Pour faire qu'une hypothèse soit évidente, il ne suffit pas que tous les phénomènes s'en ensuivent, au lieu que, s'il s'ensuit quelque chose de contraire à un seul des phénomènes, cela suffit pour assurer de sa fausseté'', in ''Les Lettres de Blaise Pascal: Accompagnées de Lettres de ses Correspondants Publiées'', ed. Maurice Beaufreton, 6th edition (Paris: G. Crès, 1922), 25–26, available at http://gallica.bnf.fr and translated in Saul Fisher, ''Pierre Gassendi's Philosophy and Science: Atomism for Empiricists'' Brill's Studies in Intellectual History 131 (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 2005), 126 n.7</ref> His insistence on the existence of the vacuum also led to conflict with other prominent scientists, including Descartes.
 
Pascal introduced a primitive form of [[roulette]] and the roulette wheel in his search for a [[perpetual motion]] machine.<ref>
[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]], [http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/pascal.html "Inventor of the Week Archive: Pascal : Mechanical Calculator"], May 2003. "Pascal worked on many versions of the devices, leading to his attempt to create a perpetual motion machine. He has been credited with introducing the roulette machine, which was a by-product of these experiments."</ref>
 
==Adult life, religion, philosophy, and literature==
{{bquote|For after all what is man in nature? A nothing in relation to infinity, all in relation to nothing, a central point between nothing and all and infinitely far from understanding either. The ends of things and their beginnings are impregnably concealed from him in an impenetrable secret. He is equally incapable of seeing the nothingness out of which he was drawn and the infinite in which he is engulfed.}}
:::::Blaise Pascal, ''Pensées'' No. 72
 
===Religious conversion===
[[File:Pascal Pajou Louvre RF2981.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Pascal studying the [[cycloid]], by [[Augustin Pajou]], 1785, [[Louvre]]]]
 
In the winter of 1646, Pascal's 58-year-old father broke his hip when he slipped and fell on an icy street of Rouen; given the man's age and the state of medicine in the 17th century, a [[Hip fracture|broken hip]] could be a very serious condition, perhaps even fatal. Rouen was home to two of the finest doctors in France: Monsieur Doctor Deslandes and Monsieur Doctor de La Bouteillerie. The elder Pascal "would not let anyone other than these men attend him...It was a good choice, for the old man survived and was able to walk again..."<ref>Connor, James A., ''Pascal's wager: the man who played dice with God'' (HarperCollins, NY, 2006) ISBN 0-06-076691-3 p. 70</ref> But treatment and rehabilitation took three months, during which time La Bouteillerie and Deslandes had become household guests.
 
Both men were followers of [[Jean Guillebert]], proponent of a splinter group from Catholic teaching known as [[Jansenism]]. This still fairly small sect was making surprising inroads into the French Catholic community at that time.  It espoused rigorous [[Augustinism]].  Blaise spoke with the doctors frequently, and upon his successful treatment of Étienne, borrowed from them works by Jansenist authors.  In this period, Pascal experienced a sort of "first conversion" and began to write on theological subjects in the course of the following year.
 
Pascal fell away from this initial religious engagement and experienced a few years of what some biographers have called his "worldly period" (1648–54).  His father died in 1651 and left his inheritance to Pascal and Jacqueline, for whom Pascal acted as her conservator.  Jacqueline announced that she would soon become a [[postulant]] in the Jansenist convent of [[Port-Royal-des-Champs|Port-Royal]].  Pascal was deeply affected and very sad, not because of her choice, but because of his chronic poor health; he too needed her.<blockquote>
 
"Suddenly there was war in the Pascal household. Blaise pleaded with Jacqueline not to leave, but she was adamant. He commanded her to stay, but that didn't work, either. At the heart of this was...Blaise's fear of abandonment...if Jacqueline entered Port-Royal, she would have to leave her inheritance behind...[but] nothing would change her mind."<ref>Miel, Jan. ''Pascal and Theology''. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1969), p. 122</ref>
</blockquote>
 
By the end of October in 1651, a truce had been reached between brother and sister.  In return for a healthy annual stipend, Jacqueline signed over her part of the inheritance to her brother.  Gilberte had already been given her inheritance in the form of a dowry.  In early January, Jacqueline left for Port-Royal. On that day, according to Gilberte concerning her brother, "He retired very sadly to his rooms without seeing Jacqueline, who was waiting in the little parlor..."<ref>Jacqueline Pascal, ''"Memoir"'' p. 87</ref>
In early June 1653, after what must have seemed like endless badgering from Jacqueline,
Pascal formally signed over the whole of his sister's inheritance to Port-Royal, which, to him, "had begun to smell like a cult."<ref>Miel, Jan. ''Pascal and Theology''. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1969), p. 124</ref> With two thirds of his father's estate now gone, the 29-year-old Pascal was now consigned to genteel poverty.
 
For a while, Pascal pursued the life of a bachelor. During visits to his sister at Port-Royal in 1654, he displayed contempt for affairs of the world but was not drawn to God.<ref name="ep52">Richard H. Popkin, Paul Edwards (ed.), ''Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', 1967 edition, s.v. "Pascal, Blaise.", vol. 6, p. 52–55, New York: Macmillan</ref>
 
===Brush with death===
{{dubious|date=September 2011}}
On 23 November 1654, between 10:30 and 12:30 at night, Pascal had an intense [[Vision (religion)|religious vision]] and immediately recorded the experience in a brief note to himself which began: "Fire. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of the philosophers and the scholars..." and concluded by quoting Psalm 119:16: "I will not forget thy word. Amen." He seems to have carefully sewn this document into his coat and always transferred it when he changed clothes; a servant discovered it only by chance after his death.<ref name="oc618">Pascal, Blaise. ''Oeuvres complètes''. (Paris: Seuil, 1960), p. 618</ref> This piece is now known as the ''Memorial''. The story of the carriage accident{{clarify|date=July 2012}} as having led to the experience described in the ''Memorial'' is disputed by some scholars.<ref>MathPages, [http://www.mathpages.com/home/kmath558/kmath558.htm Hold Your Horses.] For the sources on which the hypothesis of a link between a carriage accident and Pascal's second conversion is based, and for a sage weighing of the evidence for and against, see Henri Gouhier, ''Blaise Pascal: Commentaires'', Vrin, 1984, pp. 379ff.</ref>
His belief and religious commitment revitalized, Pascal visited the older of two convents at [[Port-Royal-des-Champs|Port-Royal]] for a two-week retreat in January 1655. For the next four years, he regularly travelled between Port-Royal and Paris.  It was at this point immediately after his conversion when he began writing his first major literary work on religion, the ''Provincial Letters''.
 
===The ''Provincial Letters''===
{{Main|Lettres provinciales}}
{{French literature sidebar}}
 
Beginning in 1656, Pascal published his memorable attack on [[casuistry]], a popular [[Ethics|ethical]] method used by [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] thinkers in the early modern period (especially the [[Jesuits]], and in particular [[Antonio Escobar y Mendoza|Antonio Escobar]]). Pascal denounced casuistry as the mere use of complex reasoning to justify moral laxity and all sorts of [[sin]]s. The 18-letter series was published between 1656 and 1657 under the pseudonym Louis de Montalte and incensed [[Louis XIV of France|Louis XIV]]. The king ordered that the book be shredded and burnt in 1660. In 1661, in the midsts of the [[formulary controversy]], the Jansenist school at Port-Royal was condemned and closed down; those involved with the school had to sign a 1656 [[papal bull]] condemning the teachings of Jansen as heretical.  The final letter from Pascal, in 1657, had defied [[Alexander VII]] himself.  Even Pope Alexander, while publicly opposing them, nonetheless was persuaded by Pascal's arguments.
 
Aside from their religious influence, the ''Provincial Letters'' were popular as a literary work. Pascal's use of humor, mockery, and vicious satire in his arguments made the letters ripe for public consumption, and influenced the prose of later French writers like [[Voltaire]] and [[Jean-Jacques Rousseau]].
 
The ''Provincial Letters'' also received praise. For example, Charles Perrault wrote of the ''Letters'': "Everything is there—purity of language, nobility of thought, solidity in reasoning, finesse in raillery, and throughout an ''agrément'' not to be found anywhere else."<ref>Charles Perrault, ''Parallèle des Anciens et des Modernes'' (Paris, 1693), Vol. I, p. 296.</ref>
 
===The ''Pensées''===
{{wikisource|Pensées}}
{{Main|Pensées}}
 
Pascal's most influential theological work, referred to posthumously as the ''Pensées'' ("Thoughts"), was not completed before his death.  It was to have been a sustained and coherent examination and defense of the Christian faith, with the original title ''Apologie de la religion Chrétienne'' ("Defense of the Christian Religion").  The first version of the numerous scraps of paper found after his death appeared in print as a book in 1669 titled ''Pensées de M. Pascal sur la religion, et sur quelques autres sujets'' ("Thoughts of M. Pascal on religion, and on some other subjects") and soon thereafter became a classic. One of the ''Apologie'''s main strategies was to use the contradictory philosophies of [[skepticism]] and [[stoicism]], personalized by [[Montaigne]] on one hand, and [[Epictetus]] on the other, in order to bring the unbeliever to such despair and confusion that he would embrace God.
 
Pascal's ''Pensées'' is widely considered to be a masterpiece, and a landmark in French prose.  When commenting on one particular section (Thought #72), [[Sainte-Beuve]] praised it as the finest pages in the French language.<ref name="finest">Sainte-Beuve, [http://books.google.com/books?id=I0P0A8XK29QC&pg=PA167 ''Seventeenth Century''] ISBN 1-113-16675-4 p. 174 (2009 reprint).</ref> [[Will Durant]] hailed it as "the most eloquent book in French prose."<ref name="eloquent">''[[The Story of Civilization]]: Volume 8, "The Age of Louis XIV"'' by [[Will Durant|Will & Ariel Durant]], chapter II, Subsection 4.4, p. 66 ISBN 1-56731-019-2</ref> In ''Pensées'', Pascal surveys several philosophical paradoxes: infinity and nothing, faith and reason, soul and matter, death and life, meaning and vanity—seemingly arriving at no definitive conclusions besides humility, ignorance, and grace.  Rolling these into one he develops [[Pascal's Wager]].
 
===Last works and death===
[[File:Epitaph Blaise Pascal Saint-Etienne.jpg|thumb|Pascal's epitaph in [[Saint-Étienne-du-Mont]], where he was buried]]
 
[[T. S. Eliot]] described him during this phase of his life as "a man of the world among ascetics, and an ascetic among men of the world." Pascal's ascetic lifestyle derived from a belief that it was natural and necessary for a person to suffer. In 1659, Pascal fell seriously ill. During his last years, he frequently tried to reject the ministrations of his doctors, saying, "Sickness is the natural state of Christians."<ref name="m104-">Muir, Jane. [http://books.google.com/books?id=uV3rJkmnQhsC&printsec=frontcover ''Of Men and Numbers'']. (New York: Dover Publications, Inc, 1996). ISBN 0-486-28973-7, p. 104.</ref>
 
Louis XIV suppressed the Jansenist movement at Port-Royal in 1661. In response, Pascal wrote one of his final works, ''Écrit sur la signature du formulaire'' ("Writ on the Signing of the Form"), exhorting the Jansenists not to give in. Later that year, his sister Jacqueline died, which convinced Pascal to cease his [[polemics]] on [[Jansenism]]. Pascal's last major achievement, returning to his mechanical genius, was inaugurating perhaps the first bus line, moving passengers within Paris in a carriage with many seats.
 
In 1662, Pascal's illness became more violent, and his emotional condition had severely worsened since his sister's death. Aware that his health was fading quickly, he sought a move to the hospital for incurable diseases, but his doctors declared that he was too unstable to be carried. In Paris on 18 August 1662, Pascal went into convulsions and received [[extreme unction]]. He died the next morning, his last words being "May God never abandon me," and was buried in the cemetery of [[Saint-Étienne-du-Mont]].<ref name="m104-"/>
 
An [[autopsy]] performed after his death revealed grave problems with his stomach and other organs of his abdomen, along with [[brain damage|damage to his brain]]. Despite the autopsy, the cause of his poor health was never precisely determined, though speculation focuses on [[tuberculosis]], [[stomach cancer]], or a combination of the two.<ref name="m103">Muir, Jane. [http://books.google.com/books?id=uV3rJkmnQhsC&printsec=frontcover ''Of Men and Numbers'']. (New York: Dover Publications, Inc, 1996). ISBN 0-486-28973-7, p. 103.</ref> The headaches which afflicted Pascal are generally attributed to his brain [[lesion]].
 
==Legacy==
[[File:001Paskal.JPG|left|thumb|[[Death mask]] of Blaise Pascal.]]
 
In honor of his scientific contributions, the name '''Pascal''' has been given to the [[pascal (unit)|SI unit of pressure]], to a [[Pascal (programming language)|programming language]], and [[Pascal's law]] (an important principle of hydrostatics), and as mentioned above, Pascal's triangle and Pascal's wager still bear his name.
 
Pascal's development of probability theory was his most influential contribution to mathematics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blaise Pascal|url=http://www.famousscientists.org/blaise-pascal|publisher=FamousScientists.org|accessdate=15 December 2011}}</ref> Originally applied to gambling, today it is extremely important in economics, especially in [[actuarial science]]. John Ross writes, "Probability theory and the discoveries following it changed the way we regard uncertainty, risk, decision-making, and an individual's and society's ability to influence the course of future events."<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ross|first1=John F.|title=Pascal's legacy|journal=EMBO Reports|volume=5|pages=S7–S10|year=2004|pmid=15459727|pmc=1299210 |doi=10.1038/sj.embor.7400229|issue=Suppl 1}}</ref> However, it should be noted that Pascal and Fermat, though doing important early work in probability theory, did not develop the field very far. [[Christiaan Huygens]], learning of the subject from the correspondence of Pascal and Fermat, wrote the first book on the subject. Later figures who continued the development of the theory include [[Abraham de Moivre]] and [[Pierre-Simon Laplace]].
 
In literature, Pascal is regarded as one of the most important authors of the French Classical Period and is read today as one of the greatest masters of French prose. His use of satire and wit influenced later [[polemic]]ists. The content of his literary work is best remembered for its strong opposition to the [[rationalism]] of [[René Descartes]] and simultaneous assertion that the main countervailing philosophy, [[empiricism]], was also insufficient for determining major truths.
 
In France, prestigious annual awards, [[Blaise Pascal Chair]]s are given to outstanding international scientists to conduct their research in the [[Île-de-France (region)|Ile de France]] region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chaires-blaise-pascal.org/uk/index.html |title=Chaires Blaise Pascal |publisher=Chaires Blaise Pascal |accessdate=16 August 2009}}</ref> One of the Universities of [[Clermont-Ferrand]], France – [[Université Blaise Pascal]] – is named after him. The [[University of Waterloo]], Ontario, Canada, holds an annual math contest named in his honour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/contests/pcf.html |title=CEMC – Pascal, Cayley and Fermat – Mathematics Contests – University of Waterloo |publisher=Cemc.uwaterloo.ca |date=23 June 2008 |accessdate=16 August 2009}}</ref>
 
[[Roberto Rossellini]] directed a filmed biopic (entitled ''Blaise Pascal'') which originally aired on Italian television in 1971.<ref>{{tcmdb title|488698}}</ref> Pascal was a subject of the first edition of the 1984 [[BBC Two]] documentary, ''[[Sea of Faith (TV series)|Sea of Faith]]'', presented by [[Don Cupitt]].
 
==Works==
* ''Essai pour les coniques'' (1639)
* ''Experiences nouvelles touchant le vide'' (1647)
* ''Traité du triangle arithmétique'' (1653)
* ''[[Lettres provinciales]]'' (1656–57)
* ''De l'Esprit géométrique'' (1657 or 1658)
* ''Écrit sur la signature du formulaire'' (1661)
* ''[[Pensées]]'' (incomplete at death)
 
==See also==
{{Portal|Kingdom of France}}
* [[Scientific revolution]]
 
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
 
==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* [[Donald Adamson|Adamson, Donald]]. ''Blaise Pascal: Mathematician, Physicist, and Thinker about God'' (1995) ISBN 0-333-55036-6
* Adamson, Donald. [http://books.google.com/books?id=AMOQZfrZq-EC&pg=PA405 "Pascal's Views on Mathematics and the Divine,"] ''Mathematics and the Divine: A Historical Study'' (eds. T. Koetsier and L. Bergmans. Amsterdam: Elsevier 2005), pp.&nbsp;407–21.
* Broome, J.H. ''Pascal''. (London: E. Arnold, 1965). ISBN 0-7131-5021-1
* Davidson, Hugh M. ''Blaise Pascal''. (Boston: Twayne Publishers), 1983.
* Farrell, John. "Pascal and Power". Chapter seven of ''Paranoia and Modernity: Cervantes to Rousseau'' (Cornell UP, 2006).
* [[Lucien Goldmann|Goldmann, Lucien]], ''The hidden God; a study of tragic vision in the Pensees of Pascal and the tragedies of Racine'' (original ed. 1955, Trans. Philip Thody. London: Routledge, 1964).
* [[Douglas Groothuis|Groothuis, Douglas]]. ''On Pascal''. (Belmont: Wadsworth, 2002). ISBN 978-0534583910
* Jordan, Jeff. ''Pascal's Wager: Pragmatic Arguments and Belief in God''. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2006).
* Landkildehus, Søren. "Kierkegaard and Pascal as kindred spirits in the Fight against Christendom" in ''Kierkegaard and the Renaissance and Modern Traditions'' (ed. Jon Stewart. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing, 2009).
* Mackie, John Leslie. ''The Miracle of Theism: Arguments for and against the Existence of God''. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1982).
* {{cite journal |last1=Saka |first1=Paul |year=2001 |title=Pascal's Wager and the Many Gods Objection |url= |journal=Religious Studies |volume=37 |issue=3 |pages=321–41 |doi=10.1017/S0034412501005686}}
* {{cite book |last=Stephen |first=Leslie |authorlink=Leslie Stephen|title=Studies of a Biographer |volume=2 |publisher=Duckworth and Co. |location=London |pages=241–284 |chapter=[[s:en:Studies of a Biographer/Pascal|Pascal]]}}
* Tobin, Paul. "The Rejection of Pascal's Wager: A Skeptic's Guide to the Bible and the Historical Jesus". authorsonline.co.uk, 2009.
* [[Yves Morvan]], ''Pascal à Mirefleurs ? Les dessins de la maison de Domat'', Impr. Blandin, 1985.(FRBNF40378895)
{{refend}}
 
==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=no}}
*{{sep entry|pascal|Blaise Pascal|Desmond Clarke}}
* [http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~eknuth/pascal.html Pascal's Memorial] in orig. French/Latin and modern English, trans. Elizabeth T. Knuth.
* [http://www.biblioweb.org/-PASCAL-Blaise-.html Biography, Bibliography.] (in French)
* {{gutenberg author|Pascal+Blaise|Blaise Pascal}}
* {{OL_author|id=OL127510A}}
* [http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jbourj/money5.htm Blaise Pascal featured on the 500 French Franc banknote in 1977.]
* [http://www.intratext.com/Catalogo/Autori/Aut852.htm Blaise Pascal's works]: text, concordances and frequency lists
* {{CathEncy|wstitle=Blaise Pascal}}
* Etext of Pascal's ''[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/pascal/pensees.html Pensées]'' (English, in various formats)
* Etext of Pascal's ''[http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/pascal/letters-a.html Lettres Provinciales]'' (English)
* Etext of a number of Pascal's [http://www.bartleby.com/48/3/ minor works] (English translation) including, ''De l'Esprit géométrique'' and ''De l'Art de persuader''.
* {{MacTutor Biography|id=Pascal}}
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<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME= Pascal, Blaise
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= French mathematician, physicist, philosopher
|DATE OF BIRTH= 19 June 1623
|PLACE OF BIRTH= [[Clermont-Ferrand]], France
|DATE OF DEATH=  19 August 1662
|PLACE OF DEATH= Paris, France
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pascal, Blaise}}
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[[Category:1662 deaths]]
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Revision as of 19:53, 2 February 2014

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Blaise Pascal (Template:IPA-fr; 19 June 1623 – 19 August 1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Christian philosopher. He was a child prodigy who was educated by his father, a tax collector in Rouen. Pascal's earliest work was in the natural and applied sciences where he made important contributions to the study of fluids, and clarified the concepts of pressure and vacuum by generalizing the work of Evangelista Torricelli. Pascal also wrote in defense of the scientific method.

In 1642, while still a teenager, he started some pioneering work on calculating machines. After three years of effort and fifty prototypes,[1] he invented the mechanical calculator.[2][3] He built 20 of these machines (called Pascal's calculators and later Pascalines) in the following ten years.[4] Pascal was an important mathematician, helping create two major new areas of research: he wrote a significant treatise on the subject of projective geometry at the age of 16, and later corresponded with Pierre de Fermat on probability theory, strongly influencing the development of modern economics and social science. Following Galileo and Torricelli, in 1646 he refuted Aristotle's followers who insisted that nature abhors a vacuum. Pascal's results caused many disputes before being accepted.

In 1646, he and his sister Jacqueline identified with the religious movement within Catholicism known by its detractors as Jansenism.[5] His father died in 1651. Following a religious experience in late 1654, he began writing influential works on philosophy and theology. His two most famous works date from this period: the Lettres provinciales and the Pensées, the former set in the conflict between Jansenists and Jesuits. In that year, he also wrote an important treatise on the arithmetical triangle. Between 1658 and 1659 he wrote on the cycloid and its use in calculating the volume of solids.

Pascal had poor health, especially after his 18th year, and his death came just two months after his 39th birthday.[6]

Early life and education

Pascal was born in Clermont-Ferrand; he lost his mother, Antoinette Begon, at the age of three.[7] His father, Étienne Pascal (1588–1651), who also had an interest in science and mathematics, was a local judge and member of the "Noblesse de Robe". Pascal had two sisters, the younger Jacqueline and the elder Gilberte.

In 1631, five years after the death of his wife,[8] Étienne Pascal moved with his children to Paris. The newly arrived family soon hired Louise Delfault, a maid who eventually became an instrumental member of the family. Étienne, who never remarried, decided that he alone would educate his children, for they all showed extraordinary intellectual ability, particularly his son Blaise. The young Pascal showed an amazing aptitude for mathematics and science.

Particularly of interest to Pascal was a work of Desargues on conic sections. Following Desargues' thinking, the 16-year-old Pascal produced, as a means of proof, a short treatise on what was called the "Mystic Hexagram", Essai pour les coniques ("Essay on Conics") and sent it—his first serious work of mathematics—to Père Mersenne in Paris; it is known still today as Pascal's theorem. It states that if a hexagon is inscribed in a circle (or conic) then the three intersection points of opposite sides lie on a line (called the Pascal line).

Pascal's work was so precocious that Descartes was convinced that Pascal's father had written it. When assured by Mersenne that it was, indeed, the product of the son not the father, Descartes dismissed it with a sniff: "I do not find it strange that he has offered demonstrations about conics more appropriate than those of the ancients," adding, "but other matters related to this subject can be proposed that would scarcely occur to a 16-year-old child."[9]

In France at that time offices and positions could be—and were—bought and sold. In 1631 Étienne sold his position as second president of the Cour des Aides for 65,665 livres.[10] The money was invested in a government bond which provided if not a lavish then certainly a comfortable income which allowed the Pascal family to move to, and enjoy, Paris. But in 1638 Richelieu, desperate for money to carry on the Thirty Years' War, defaulted on the government's bonds. Suddenly Étienne Pascal's worth had dropped from nearly 66,000 livres to less than 7,300.

An early Pascaline on display at the Musée des Arts et Métiers, Paris

Like so many others, Étienne was eventually forced to flee Paris because of his opposition to the fiscal policies of Cardinal Richelieu, leaving his three children in the care of his neighbor Madame Sainctot, a great beauty with an infamous past who kept one of the most glittering and intellectual salons in all France. It was only when Jacqueline performed well in a children's play with Richelieu in attendance that Étienne was pardoned. In time Étienne was back in good graces with the cardinal, and in 1639 had been appointed the king's commissioner of taxes in the city of Rouen — a city whose tax records, thanks to uprisings, were in utter chaos.

In 1642, in an effort to ease his father's endless, exhausting calculations, and recalculations, of taxes owed and paid, Pascal, not yet 19, constructed a mechanical calculator capable of addition and subtraction, called Pascal's calculator or the Pascaline. The Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris and the Zwinger museum in Dresden, Germany, exhibit two of his original mechanical calculators. Though these machines are early forerunners to computer engineering, the calculator failed to be a great commercial success. Because it was extraordinarily expensive the Pascaline became little more than a toy, and status symbol, for the very rich both in France and throughout Europe. However, Pascal continued to make improvements to his design through the next decade and built 20 machines in total.

Contributions to mathematics

Pascal's triangle. Each number is the sum of the two directly above it. The triangle demonstrates many mathematical properties in addition to showing binomial coefficients.

Pascal continued to influence mathematics throughout his life. His Traité du triangle arithmétique ("Treatise on the Arithmetical Triangle") of 1653 described a convenient tabular presentation for binomial coefficients, now called Pascal's triangle. The triangle can also be represented:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6
0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 1 3 6 10 15
3 1 4 10 20
4 1 5 15
5 1 6
6 1

He defines the numbers in the triangle by recursion: Call the number in the (m + 1)th row and (n + 1)th column tmn. Then tmn = tm–1,n + tm,n–1, for m = 0, 1, 2, ... and n = 0, 1, 2, ... The boundary conditions are tm,−1 = 0, t−1,n = 0 for m = 1, 2, 3, ... and n = 1, 2, 3, ... The generator t00 = 1. Pascal concludes with the proof,

In 1654, prompted by a friend interested in gambling problems, he corresponded with Fermat on the subject, and from that collaboration was born the mathematical theory of probabilities. The friend was the Chevalier de Méré, and the specific problem was that of two players who want to finish a game early and, given the current circumstances of the game, want to divide the stakes fairly, based on the chance each has of winning the game from that point. From this discussion, the notion of expected value was introduced. Pascal later (in the Pensées) used a probabilistic argument, Pascal's Wager, to justify belief in God and a virtuous life. The work done by Fermat and Pascal into the calculus of probabilities laid important groundwork for Leibniz' formulation of the infinitesimal calculus.[11]

After a religious experience in 1654, Pascal mostly gave up work in mathematics.

Philosophy of mathematics

Pascal's major contribution to the philosophy of mathematics came with his De l'Esprit géométrique ("Of the Geometrical Spirit"), originally written as a preface to a geometry textbook for one of the famous "Petites-Ecoles de Port-Royal" ("Little Schools of Port-Royal"). The work was unpublished until over a century after his death. Here, Pascal looked into the issue of discovering truths, arguing that the ideal of such a method would be to found all propositions on already established truths. At the same time, however, he claimed this was impossible because such established truths would require other truths to back them up—first principles, therefore, cannot be reached. Based on this, Pascal argued that the procedure used in geometry was as perfect as possible, with certain principles assumed and other propositions developed from them. Nevertheless, there was no way to know the assumed principles to be true.

Pascal also used De l'Esprit géométrique to develop a theory of definition. He distinguished between definitions which are conventional labels defined by the writer and definitions which are within the language and understood by everyone because they naturally designate their referent. The second type would be characteristic of the philosophy of essentialism. Pascal claimed that only definitions of the first type were important to science and mathematics, arguing that those fields should adopt the philosophy of formalism as formulated by Descartes.

In De l'Art de persuader ("On the Art of Persuasion"), Pascal looked deeper into geometry's axiomatic method, specifically the question of how people come to be convinced of the axioms upon which later conclusions are based. Pascal agreed with Montaigne that achieving certainty in these axioms and conclusions through human methods is impossible. He asserted that these principles can be grasped only through intuition, and that this fact underscored the necessity for submission to God in searching out truths.

Contributions to the physical sciences

Portrait of Pascal
An illustration of the (apocryphal) Pascal's barrel experiment

Pascal's work in the fields of the study of hydrodynamics and hydrostatics centered on the principles of hydraulic fluids. His inventions include the hydraulic press (using hydraulic pressure to multiply force) and the syringe. He proved that hydrostatic pressure depends not on the weight of the fluid but on the elevation difference. He demonstrated this principle by attaching a thin tube to a barrel full of water and filling the tube with water up to the level of the third floor of a building. This caused the barrel to leak, in what became known as Pascal's barrel experiment.

By 1646, Pascal had learned of Evangelista Torricelli's experimentation with barometers. Having replicated an experiment that involved placing a tube filled with mercury upside down in a bowl of mercury, Pascal questioned what force kept some mercury in the tube and what filled the space above the mercury in the tube. At the time, most scientists contended that, rather than a vacuum, some invisible matter was present. This was based on the Aristotelian notion that creation was a thing of substance, whether visible or invisible; and that this substance was forever in motion. Furthermore, "Everything that is in motion must be moved by something," Aristotle declared.[12] Therefore, to the Aristotelian trained scientists of Pascal's time, a vacuum was an impossibility. How so? As proof it was pointed out:

  • Light passed through the so-called "vacuum" in the glass tube.
  • Aristotle wrote how everything moved, and must be moved by something.
  • Therefore, since there had to be an invisible "something" to move the light through the glass tube, there was no vacuum in the tube. Not in the glass tube or anywhere else. Vacuums – the absence of any and everything – were simply an impossibility.

Following more experimentation in this vein, in 1647 Pascal produced Experiences nouvelles touchant le vide ("New Experiments with the Vacuum"), which detailed basic rules describing to what degree various liquids could be supported by air pressure. It also provided reasons why it was indeed a vacuum above the column of liquid in a barometer tube.

On 19 September 1648, after many months of Pascal's friendly but insistent prodding, Florin Périer, husband of Pascal's elder sister Gilberte, was finally able to carry out the fact-finding mission vital to Pascal's theory. The account, written by Périer, reads:

"The weather was chancy last Saturday...[but] around five o'clock that morning...the Puy-de-Dôme was visible...so I decided to give it a try. Several important people of the city of Clermont had asked me to let them know when I would make the ascent...I was delighted to have them with me in this great work...

"...at eight o'clock we met in the gardens of the Minim Fathers, which has the lowest elevation in town....First I poured 16 pounds of quicksilver...into a vessel...then took several glass tubes...each four feet long and hermetically sealed at one end and opened at the other...then placed them in the vessel [of quicksilver]...I found the quick silver stood at 26" and 3½ lines above the quicksilver in the vessel...I repeated the experiment two more times while standing in the same spot...[they] produced the same result each time...

"I attached one of the tubes to the vessel and marked the height of the quicksilver and...asked Father Chastin, one of the Minim Brothers...to watch if any changes should occur through the day...Taking the other tube and a portion of the quick silver...I walked to the top of Puy-de-Dôme, about 500 fathoms higher than the monastery, where upon experiment...found that the quicksilver reached a height of only 23" and 2 lines...I repeated the experiment five times with care...each at different points on the summit...found the same height of quicksilver...in each case..."[13]

Pascal replicated the experiment in Paris by carrying a barometer up to the top of the bell tower at the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, a height of about fifty meters. The mercury dropped two lines.

In the face of criticism that some invisible matter must exist in Pascal's empty space, Pascal, in his reply to Estienne Noel, gave one of the 17th century's major statements on the scientific method, which is a striking anticipation of the idea popularised by Karl Popper that scientific theories are characterised by their falsifiability: "In order to show that a hypothesis is evident, it does not suffice that all the phenomena follow from it; instead, if it leads to something contrary to a single one of the phenomena, that suffices to establish its falsity."[14] His insistence on the existence of the vacuum also led to conflict with other prominent scientists, including Descartes.

Pascal introduced a primitive form of roulette and the roulette wheel in his search for a perpetual motion machine.[15]

Adult life, religion, philosophy, and literature

Template:Bquote

Blaise Pascal, Pensées No. 72

Religious conversion

Pascal studying the cycloid, by Augustin Pajou, 1785, Louvre

In the winter of 1646, Pascal's 58-year-old father broke his hip when he slipped and fell on an icy street of Rouen; given the man's age and the state of medicine in the 17th century, a broken hip could be a very serious condition, perhaps even fatal. Rouen was home to two of the finest doctors in France: Monsieur Doctor Deslandes and Monsieur Doctor de La Bouteillerie. The elder Pascal "would not let anyone other than these men attend him...It was a good choice, for the old man survived and was able to walk again..."[16] But treatment and rehabilitation took three months, during which time La Bouteillerie and Deslandes had become household guests.

Both men were followers of Jean Guillebert, proponent of a splinter group from Catholic teaching known as Jansenism. This still fairly small sect was making surprising inroads into the French Catholic community at that time. It espoused rigorous Augustinism. Blaise spoke with the doctors frequently, and upon his successful treatment of Étienne, borrowed from them works by Jansenist authors. In this period, Pascal experienced a sort of "first conversion" and began to write on theological subjects in the course of the following year.

Pascal fell away from this initial religious engagement and experienced a few years of what some biographers have called his "worldly period" (1648–54). His father died in 1651 and left his inheritance to Pascal and Jacqueline, for whom Pascal acted as her conservator. Jacqueline announced that she would soon become a postulant in the Jansenist convent of Port-Royal. Pascal was deeply affected and very sad, not because of her choice, but because of his chronic poor health; he too needed her.

"Suddenly there was war in the Pascal household. Blaise pleaded with Jacqueline not to leave, but she was adamant. He commanded her to stay, but that didn't work, either. At the heart of this was...Blaise's fear of abandonment...if Jacqueline entered Port-Royal, she would have to leave her inheritance behind...[but] nothing would change her mind."[17]

By the end of October in 1651, a truce had been reached between brother and sister. In return for a healthy annual stipend, Jacqueline signed over her part of the inheritance to her brother. Gilberte had already been given her inheritance in the form of a dowry. In early January, Jacqueline left for Port-Royal. On that day, according to Gilberte concerning her brother, "He retired very sadly to his rooms without seeing Jacqueline, who was waiting in the little parlor..."[18] In early June 1653, after what must have seemed like endless badgering from Jacqueline, Pascal formally signed over the whole of his sister's inheritance to Port-Royal, which, to him, "had begun to smell like a cult."[19] With two thirds of his father's estate now gone, the 29-year-old Pascal was now consigned to genteel poverty.

For a while, Pascal pursued the life of a bachelor. During visits to his sister at Port-Royal in 1654, he displayed contempt for affairs of the world but was not drawn to God.[20]

Brush with death

To succeed in selling a home, it is advisable be competent in real estate advertising and marketing, authorized, monetary, operational aspects, and other information and skills. This is essential as a result of you want to negotiate with more and more sophisticated buyers. You could outperform rivals, use latest technologies, and stay ahead of the fast altering market.

Home is where the center is, and choosing the right house is a part of guaranteeing a contented expertise in Singapore. Most expats sign up for a two-year lease with the option to resume, so it is value taking the time to choose a neighbourhood that has the services you want. The experts at Expat Realtor have compiled the next data that will help you negotiate your means by way of the property minefield. Some government state properties for rent. Over 2000 units available for lease however occupancy is often excessive. Some properties come under a bidding system. Their property brokers embody DTZ and United Premas. Up to date serviced residences located just off Orchard Highway. one hundred sixty Orchard Highway, #06-01 Orchard Level, Singapore 238842. Institute Of Property Agents

There is no such thing as a deal too small. Property agents who're willing to find time for any deal even when the commission is small are those you want in your side. They also show humbleness and might relate with the average Singaporean higher. Relentlessly pursuing any deal, calling prospects even without being prompted. Even when they get rejected a hundred times, they still come back for more. These are the property brokers who will find consumers what they want finally, and who would be the most profitable in what they do. four. Honesty and Integrity

As a realtor, you're our own business. Due to this fact, it is imperative that you handle yours prices and spend money correctly in order to market your property successfully. Also, beware of mentors who always ask you to pay for pointless costs. Such mentors typically are recruiting to develop a staff and see you as a option to defray advertising and marketing prices. For foreigners who want to register with CEA as salespersons, they might want to have a valid Employment Cross (EP) issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). They should consult an property agent that is ready to assist their future registration software, who would then examine with CEA. Thereafter, after they register for the RES Course, they might want to produce a letter of assist from the property agent."

Main Real Property Brokers with in depth local knowledge, Carole Ann, Elizabeth and their group of extremely skilled property consultants provide a personalised service, for those looking to buy, lease or promote in Singapore. Relocation companies out there. Properties for the aesthete. Boutique real property agency for architecturally distinguished, unique properties for rent and on the market. Caters to the niche market of design-savvy people. Sale, letting and property management and taxation services. three Shenton Means, #10-08 Shenton Home, Singapore 068805. Buy property, promote or leasing estate company. 430 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #08-01 OrangeTee Constructing, Singapore 319402. HIGH Date / Age of property Estate Agents and Home Search Services Property Information Highlights Prime Achievers

From the above info, you may see that saving on agent's commission will not cover the expenses wanted to market your home efficiently. As well as, it's essential make investments a whole lot of time, vitality and effort. By taking yourself away from your work and other endeavors, additionally, you will incur unnecessary opportunity prices. There may be additionally no assurance you could beat the market and get the outcomes you need. That is why you want an agent - not simply an ordinary agent - you want knowledgeable and competent specialist, geared up with the best instruments and knowledge to serve you and lead you to success! Within the midst of this ‘uniquely Singapore' Property GSS, our most needed foreign customers are nowhere to be seen. Different types of Public Residential properties

Based on Kelvin, other agents may also make use of your agent's listings. "If your pricing is on the excessive aspect, these brokers may use your house to persuade their patrons why Http://Trafficstooges.Com/Singapore-Property-Condominium they should purchase another residence." To counter this, Kelvin says it is crucial for your agent to supply a current market analysis before putting up your private home for sale. "This helps you worth your property appropriately and realistically." When property is made accessible (HIGH is issued) to the client. Becoming a successful property agent is a distinct story altogether! Hi, I would like to ask how I might be a property agent and whether there are courses I might take. And if I need to be at a certain age. www. Property BUYER com.sg (your impartial Mortgage Advisor) In private properties in On 23 November 1654, between 10:30 and 12:30 at night, Pascal had an intense religious vision and immediately recorded the experience in a brief note to himself which began: "Fire. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of the philosophers and the scholars..." and concluded by quoting Psalm 119:16: "I will not forget thy word. Amen." He seems to have carefully sewn this document into his coat and always transferred it when he changed clothes; a servant discovered it only by chance after his death.[21] This piece is now known as the Memorial. The story of the carriage accidentTemplate:Clarify as having led to the experience described in the Memorial is disputed by some scholars.[22] His belief and religious commitment revitalized, Pascal visited the older of two convents at Port-Royal for a two-week retreat in January 1655. For the next four years, he regularly travelled between Port-Royal and Paris. It was at this point immediately after his conversion when he began writing his first major literary work on religion, the Provincial Letters.

The Provincial Letters

Mining Engineer (Excluding Oil ) Truman from Alma, loves to spend time knotting, largest property developers in singapore developers in singapore and stamp collecting. Recently had a family visit to Urnes Stave Church. As a portal for online properties in Singapore, SG New Property is happy with the vast stock of new condos and properties launched in the country. We have been in enterprise since 2010, and take pleasure in the wonderful response that our purchasers have had to our portal. And that in itself is a great honor for our firm, and a huge morale booster for our group!

Upon meeting the eligibility conditions, the buyer can apply for a SBF by way of e-Sales by the HDB web site; but not earlier than securing financing advice on mortgage quantum from HDB or a monetary establishment. HUDC flats" means flats within the housing estates known as HUDC housing estates which maintenance and administration aren't beneath the Housing and Growth Board (HUDC Housing Estates Act – Cap 131); Additional $300 or Half (1/2) month's lease whichever is larger Extra $1000 or Half (1/2) month's rent whichever is larger Commission shall become due instantly upon execution of the tenancy agreement by Landlord and Tenant. Commission shall turn into due immediately upon execution of the task settlement. Adjoining the brand new cultural centre that houses The Library

Interact us for a seamless highway to proudly owning a luxurious property in Orchard. We current the finest collections of Orchard Road luxury residential condominium developments near Orchard Street on your choice together with Ardmore Park, Ardmore II, Boulevard Residences (BLVD), Cosmopolitan, Draycott eight, Four Seasona Park Condo, Orchard Residences and The Marq. Brand New Luxurious Residence on the market in Central Tokyo completed March 2014.Solely four min stroll to Akasaka station and strolling distance to Tokyo Mid Town, Roppongi Hills, and Akasaka Sacas. PREMIST Akasaka Hinokicho koen Flat naming system (Improved, Model A, and so on) is no longer utilized in sale brochures but is still proven in resale transactions. All 4-rm are Mannequin A and all 5-rm are Improved. Behind Katong buying Centre

The ABSD will even be raised further and imposed on two new groups of consumers. Everlasting residents purchasing their first home will now be slapped with an ABSD of 5 per cent whereas Singaporeans buying their second property can be charged a 7 per cent ABSD. Beneath-Suppliedresidential property in London unlikely to maintain up with the demand forthe next decade therefore spells alternative for captialgain for discerning investor As rentals for residential property in Zone 1London are growing expensive, manytenantsare looking for out houses to rent in Zone 2 space and The Library isperfectly positioned for that. She associated the case of a person who showed up to make a purchase order, shouting that he wished to purchase a house instantly. Measures Particular to Public Housing

If you find yourself the owner of a non-public condominium , you are a lessee below the ninety nine 12 months lease the housing developer has created for every residence. You wouldn't personal any part of the widespread property - such as the automotive park or the pool - as these belong to the lessor, who can cost a separate price for using these facilities. As an house proprietor you have certain rights and obligations spelt out under the lease. Nonetheless, you are not capable of take part within the administration of the amenities.

Under the brand new measures, PRs who purchase non-public largest property developers in singapore must now sell their HDB flats inside six months of the completion of the purchase of the brand new property or after they are granted their Temporary Occupation Permit or Certificates of Statutory Completion. In short, someone making $4,830 may purchase a $seven-hundred,000 property up to now however can technically afford only a $525,000 property now," he mentioned. Leasehold (nearly as good as Freehold) property in prime Zone 2 London space for SGD7xxk solely ! (It'slike proudly owning a property in Alexandra/ Tanglin however for a lot less) Complete excellent housing loans in 2012 have been 15.9% up on the previous 12 months at amounted to SG$152 billion (US$122.6 billion), according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Leasehold Properties

Beginning in 1656, Pascal published his memorable attack on casuistry, a popular ethical method used by Catholic thinkers in the early modern period (especially the Jesuits, and in particular Antonio Escobar). Pascal denounced casuistry as the mere use of complex reasoning to justify moral laxity and all sorts of sins. The 18-letter series was published between 1656 and 1657 under the pseudonym Louis de Montalte and incensed Louis XIV. The king ordered that the book be shredded and burnt in 1660. In 1661, in the midsts of the formulary controversy, the Jansenist school at Port-Royal was condemned and closed down; those involved with the school had to sign a 1656 papal bull condemning the teachings of Jansen as heretical. The final letter from Pascal, in 1657, had defied Alexander VII himself. Even Pope Alexander, while publicly opposing them, nonetheless was persuaded by Pascal's arguments.

Aside from their religious influence, the Provincial Letters were popular as a literary work. Pascal's use of humor, mockery, and vicious satire in his arguments made the letters ripe for public consumption, and influenced the prose of later French writers like Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The Provincial Letters also received praise. For example, Charles Perrault wrote of the Letters: "Everything is there—purity of language, nobility of thought, solidity in reasoning, finesse in raillery, and throughout an agrément not to be found anywhere else."[23]

The Pensées

42 year old Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Merle from Komoka, has interests including entertaining, property developers house in singapore singapore and train collecting. Just had a family trip to China Danxia. Mining Engineer (Excluding Oil ) Truman from Alma, loves to spend time knotting, largest property developers in singapore developers in singapore and stamp collecting. Recently had a family visit to Urnes Stave Church.

Pascal's most influential theological work, referred to posthumously as the Pensées ("Thoughts"), was not completed before his death. It was to have been a sustained and coherent examination and defense of the Christian faith, with the original title Apologie de la religion Chrétienne ("Defense of the Christian Religion"). The first version of the numerous scraps of paper found after his death appeared in print as a book in 1669 titled Pensées de M. Pascal sur la religion, et sur quelques autres sujets ("Thoughts of M. Pascal on religion, and on some other subjects") and soon thereafter became a classic. One of the Apologie's main strategies was to use the contradictory philosophies of skepticism and stoicism, personalized by Montaigne on one hand, and Epictetus on the other, in order to bring the unbeliever to such despair and confusion that he would embrace God.

Pascal's Pensées is widely considered to be a masterpiece, and a landmark in French prose. When commenting on one particular section (Thought #72), Sainte-Beuve praised it as the finest pages in the French language.[24] Will Durant hailed it as "the most eloquent book in French prose."[25] In Pensées, Pascal surveys several philosophical paradoxes: infinity and nothing, faith and reason, soul and matter, death and life, meaning and vanity—seemingly arriving at no definitive conclusions besides humility, ignorance, and grace. Rolling these into one he develops Pascal's Wager.

Last works and death

Pascal's epitaph in Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where he was buried

T. S. Eliot described him during this phase of his life as "a man of the world among ascetics, and an ascetic among men of the world." Pascal's ascetic lifestyle derived from a belief that it was natural and necessary for a person to suffer. In 1659, Pascal fell seriously ill. During his last years, he frequently tried to reject the ministrations of his doctors, saying, "Sickness is the natural state of Christians."[26]

Louis XIV suppressed the Jansenist movement at Port-Royal in 1661. In response, Pascal wrote one of his final works, Écrit sur la signature du formulaire ("Writ on the Signing of the Form"), exhorting the Jansenists not to give in. Later that year, his sister Jacqueline died, which convinced Pascal to cease his polemics on Jansenism. Pascal's last major achievement, returning to his mechanical genius, was inaugurating perhaps the first bus line, moving passengers within Paris in a carriage with many seats.

In 1662, Pascal's illness became more violent, and his emotional condition had severely worsened since his sister's death. Aware that his health was fading quickly, he sought a move to the hospital for incurable diseases, but his doctors declared that he was too unstable to be carried. In Paris on 18 August 1662, Pascal went into convulsions and received extreme unction. He died the next morning, his last words being "May God never abandon me," and was buried in the cemetery of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont.[26]

An autopsy performed after his death revealed grave problems with his stomach and other organs of his abdomen, along with damage to his brain. Despite the autopsy, the cause of his poor health was never precisely determined, though speculation focuses on tuberculosis, stomach cancer, or a combination of the two.[27] The headaches which afflicted Pascal are generally attributed to his brain lesion.

Legacy

Death mask of Blaise Pascal.

In honor of his scientific contributions, the name Pascal has been given to the SI unit of pressure, to a programming language, and Pascal's law (an important principle of hydrostatics), and as mentioned above, Pascal's triangle and Pascal's wager still bear his name.

Pascal's development of probability theory was his most influential contribution to mathematics.[28] Originally applied to gambling, today it is extremely important in economics, especially in actuarial science. John Ross writes, "Probability theory and the discoveries following it changed the way we regard uncertainty, risk, decision-making, and an individual's and society's ability to influence the course of future events."[29] However, it should be noted that Pascal and Fermat, though doing important early work in probability theory, did not develop the field very far. Christiaan Huygens, learning of the subject from the correspondence of Pascal and Fermat, wrote the first book on the subject. Later figures who continued the development of the theory include Abraham de Moivre and Pierre-Simon Laplace.

In literature, Pascal is regarded as one of the most important authors of the French Classical Period and is read today as one of the greatest masters of French prose. His use of satire and wit influenced later polemicists. The content of his literary work is best remembered for its strong opposition to the rationalism of René Descartes and simultaneous assertion that the main countervailing philosophy, empiricism, was also insufficient for determining major truths.

In France, prestigious annual awards, Blaise Pascal Chairs are given to outstanding international scientists to conduct their research in the Ile de France region.[30] One of the Universities of Clermont-Ferrand, France – Université Blaise Pascal – is named after him. The University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, holds an annual math contest named in his honour.[31]

Roberto Rossellini directed a filmed biopic (entitled Blaise Pascal) which originally aired on Italian television in 1971.[32] Pascal was a subject of the first edition of the 1984 BBC Two documentary, Sea of Faith, presented by Don Cupitt.

Works

  • Essai pour les coniques (1639)
  • Experiences nouvelles touchant le vide (1647)
  • Traité du triangle arithmétique (1653)
  • Lettres provinciales (1656–57)
  • De l'Esprit géométrique (1657 or 1658)
  • Écrit sur la signature du formulaire (1661)
  • Pensées (incomplete at death)

See also

Sportspersons Hyslop from Nicolet, usually spends time with pastimes for example martial arts, property developers condominium in singapore singapore and hot rods. Maintains a trip site and has lots to write about after touring Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana.

References

43 year old Petroleum Engineer Harry from Deep River, usually spends time with hobbies and interests like renting movies, property developers in singapore new condominium and vehicle racing. Constantly enjoys going to destinations like Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

Further reading

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  • Adamson, Donald. Blaise Pascal: Mathematician, Physicist, and Thinker about God (1995) ISBN 0-333-55036-6
  • Adamson, Donald. "Pascal's Views on Mathematics and the Divine," Mathematics and the Divine: A Historical Study (eds. T. Koetsier and L. Bergmans. Amsterdam: Elsevier 2005), pp. 407–21.
  • Broome, J.H. Pascal. (London: E. Arnold, 1965). ISBN 0-7131-5021-1
  • Davidson, Hugh M. Blaise Pascal. (Boston: Twayne Publishers), 1983.
  • Farrell, John. "Pascal and Power". Chapter seven of Paranoia and Modernity: Cervantes to Rousseau (Cornell UP, 2006).
  • Goldmann, Lucien, The hidden God; a study of tragic vision in the Pensees of Pascal and the tragedies of Racine (original ed. 1955, Trans. Philip Thody. London: Routledge, 1964).
  • Groothuis, Douglas. On Pascal. (Belmont: Wadsworth, 2002). ISBN 978-0534583910
  • Jordan, Jeff. Pascal's Wager: Pragmatic Arguments and Belief in God. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2006).
  • Landkildehus, Søren. "Kierkegaard and Pascal as kindred spirits in the Fight against Christendom" in Kierkegaard and the Renaissance and Modern Traditions (ed. Jon Stewart. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing, 2009).
  • Mackie, John Leslie. The Miracle of Theism: Arguments for and against the Existence of God. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1982).
  • One of the biggest reasons investing in a Singapore new launch is an effective things is as a result of it is doable to be lent massive quantities of money at very low interest rates that you should utilize to purchase it. Then, if property values continue to go up, then you'll get a really high return on funding (ROI). Simply make sure you purchase one of the higher properties, reminiscent of the ones at Fernvale the Riverbank or any Singapore landed property Get Earnings by means of Renting

    In its statement, the singapore property listing - website link, government claimed that the majority citizens buying their first residence won't be hurt by the new measures. Some concessions can even be prolonged to chose teams of consumers, similar to married couples with a minimum of one Singaporean partner who are purchasing their second property so long as they intend to promote their first residential property. Lower the LTV limit on housing loans granted by monetary establishments regulated by MAS from 70% to 60% for property purchasers who are individuals with a number of outstanding housing loans on the time of the brand new housing purchase. Singapore Property Measures - 30 August 2010 The most popular seek for the number of bedrooms in Singapore is 4, followed by 2 and three. Lush Acres EC @ Sengkang

    Discover out more about real estate funding in the area, together with info on international funding incentives and property possession. Many Singaporeans have been investing in property across the causeway in recent years, attracted by comparatively low prices. However, those who need to exit their investments quickly are likely to face significant challenges when trying to sell their property – and could finally be stuck with a property they can't sell. Career improvement programmes, in-house valuation, auctions and administrative help, venture advertising and marketing, skilled talks and traisning are continuously planned for the sales associates to help them obtain better outcomes for his or her shoppers while at Knight Frank Singapore. No change Present Rules

    Extending the tax exemption would help. The exemption, which may be as a lot as $2 million per family, covers individuals who negotiate a principal reduction on their existing mortgage, sell their house short (i.e., for lower than the excellent loans), or take part in a foreclosure course of. An extension of theexemption would seem like a common-sense means to assist stabilize the housing market, but the political turmoil around the fiscal-cliff negotiations means widespread sense could not win out. Home Minority Chief Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) believes that the mortgage relief provision will be on the table during the grand-cut price talks, in response to communications director Nadeam Elshami. Buying or promoting of blue mild bulbs is unlawful.

    A vendor's stamp duty has been launched on industrial property for the primary time, at rates ranging from 5 per cent to 15 per cent. The Authorities might be trying to reassure the market that they aren't in opposition to foreigners and PRs investing in Singapore's property market. They imposed these measures because of extenuating components available in the market." The sale of new dual-key EC models will even be restricted to multi-generational households only. The models have two separate entrances, permitting grandparents, for example, to dwell separately. The vendor's stamp obligation takes effect right this moment and applies to industrial property and plots which might be offered inside three years of the date of buy. JLL named Best Performing Property Brand for second year running

    The data offered is for normal info purposes only and isn't supposed to be personalised investment or monetary advice. Motley Fool Singapore contributor Stanley Lim would not personal shares in any corporations talked about. Singapore private home costs increased by 1.eight% within the fourth quarter of 2012, up from 0.6% within the earlier quarter. Resale prices of government-built HDB residences which are usually bought by Singaporeans, elevated by 2.5%, quarter on quarter, the quickest acquire in five quarters. And industrial property, prices are actually double the levels of three years ago. No withholding tax in the event you sell your property. All your local information regarding vital HDB policies, condominium launches, land growth, commercial property and more

    There are various methods to go about discovering the precise property. Some local newspapers (together with the Straits Instances ) have categorised property sections and many local property brokers have websites. Now there are some specifics to consider when buying a 'new launch' rental. Intended use of the unit Every sale begins with 10 p.c low cost for finish of season sale; changes to 20 % discount storewide; follows by additional reduction of fiftyand ends with last discount of 70 % or extra. Typically there is even a warehouse sale or transferring out sale with huge mark-down of costs for stock clearance. Deborah Regulation from Expat Realtor shares her property market update, plus prime rental residences and houses at the moment available to lease Esparina EC @ Sengkang
  • 20 year-old Real Estate Agent Rusty from Saint-Paul, has hobbies and interests which includes monopoly, property developers in singapore and poker. Will soon undertake a contiki trip that may include going to the Lower Valley of the Omo.

    My blog: http://www.primaboinca.com/view_profile.php?userid=5889534
  • Tobin, Paul. "The Rejection of Pascal's Wager: A Skeptic's Guide to the Bible and the Historical Jesus". authorsonline.co.uk, 2009.
  • Yves Morvan, Pascal à Mirefleurs ? Les dessins de la maison de Domat, Impr. Blandin, 1985.(FRBNF40378895)

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External links

Singapore has elevated a tax on foreign property buyers as part of new non permanent measures to chill its residential housing market which has seen continued strong demand regardless of previous efforts to curb prices.

This doc has been ready by All Property Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd. The information including all materials, estimates, calculations, opinions or suggestions contained in this doc have been provided in good faith and have been primarily based on info received from sources All Property Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd has accepted in good faith. No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or reliability of any info contained on this document and neither All Property Options Singapore Pte Ltd nor any individuals involved within the preparation of this doc settle for any form of legal responsibility for its content material.

Rare Industrial Development within Pandan Food Zone area up for sale A home mortgage or mortgage loan is a mortgage to purchase property and secured on the property that you purchase. A house loan is usually repayable in monthly instalments. Earlier than taking over a house mortgage, just remember to can afford the repayments. Do ask for a repayment schedule to help you estimate costs. Starting from March 2012, your bank also needs to give you a residential property mortgage fact sheet to help you perceive the terms of the mortgage. The Topiary EC @ Fernvale any unit in an authorised condominium improvement under the Planning Act; and Approval must be obtained from the Minister for Regulation to buy a restricted residential property. GETTING YOUR PROPERTY SOLD / LEASED? SLA website

Previous rounds of Government measures have had a moderating effect on residential property costs. There is additionally vital provide of housing that may come onto the market over the next two years. Nonetheless, prices in both the HDB resale market and personal residential property have continued to rise in Q2 and Q3 of 2012. Lease Property District 06 Hire Property District 07 Rent Property District 08 Hire Property District 09 Hire Property District 22 Lease Property District 26 Lease Property District 27 JLL appointed unique agent for the sale of 2, 4 and 6 Dunlop Avenue by Expression of Curiosity. Freehold improvement within the prestigious Ardmore Park / Claymore district with potential for en bloc sale Forestville EC @ Woodlands An EC with Iconic Skypark! Home Viewing

Mortgages might be obtained for buy of all freehold properties and some leasehold properties relying upon the utilization and the unexpired lease term. New leasehold residential properties which typically come with ninety nine years leasehold shouldn't be a problem. Banks could also be unwilling to provide loans for residential properties with lower than 60 years unexpired lease. Condominiums are a preferred choice with both expatriates and locals. The huge vary of amenities, from swimming pool and fitness center to round the clock security and scenic surroundings, provide for a snug lifestyle, especially for families. For a listing of condominiums, click on right here Sign an inventory listing of all of the items offered by the owner, together with their condition. Housing mortgage repayments

In case you're searching for a new launching property dwelling or selling one, now you can negotiate together with your property agent on the suitable fee. The Institute of Estate Brokers (IEA) will take away its guidelines on property brokers' commissions subsequent month, to fall according to the Competition Act. In line with latest official figures, there has additionally been little upward movement within the non-public property rental market. Rent House District 05 Rent Home District 06 Hire House District 07 Hire Home District 08 Rent House District 09 Hire House District 10 Lease Home District eleven Hire Home District 12 Hire Home District thirteen Hire House District 14 Hire Home District 15 Hire House District 16 Rent Home District 18 Lease Home District 20 Lease Home District 21 Rent Home District 22 Lease House District 23 Hire House District 24

Equally, jojoba oil is helpful for eradicating eye makeup like kohl, liner, mascara and eyeshadow. The most effective part is this oil does not cause any eye irritation. Since the eye area may be very sensitive, you just have to use the oil with nice care and be sure to do not rub it harshly. Simply, dip a cotton pad into the oil and apply instantly over the eyelashes. Within no time, you can see that it has removed all the make-up. Common software will make the lashes extra stunning.

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In the event you've just lately been requested by your employer to be posted to Singapore, then this website is for you. Whether or not you're single or married with kids, whether or not you are looking for a condominium, a bungalow, a semi-detached or a public condo, residing and renting a house in Singapore at this time is straightforward when you recognize the ins and outs, the dos and don'ts.

He is a rip-off!! Severely trust me he's on of the scammer agent. He made me believe that I've a spot to remain then when I was about to move the place isn't out there. Then he just took my deposit and agent's charge. By the best way he's also the landlord of the place i am presupposed to lease. He took my money and ran away. However I went to the HDB and complain him, additionally I complain straight to the police. Then the police called him and he got scared. Finally each penny that I gave him, he give it again since HDB and police office is supporting me. Don't be lazy to complain. Go straight to the police and complain these individuals.

i imagine there are good ethical brokers in Singapore. But i have encounter unhealthy experiencing the Christina Fong from realty master. She is admittedly an unprofessional and never moral one. Only considering of undercutiing and squeezing money from ptther people without defending interest of her personal shopper. Proceed to the section Training and look at a map of all worldwide colleges in Singapore or visit the section residential areas for detailed data on the place to stay and why. Information District and Location Have completed no less than 30 property transactions up to now three years. At least 10 of these transactions will have to be for private properties, and at the very least one other 10 needs to be for HDB flats (also known as public housing); Singapore-Indonesia Commercial Affiliation

Agents need to be very resourceful and so they have to work doubly onerous to succeed in out to extra consumers as a result of when the market swings, it turns into very aggressive," said PropNex Chief Executive Mohamed Ismail. "Beforehand, an agent might focus on one space, comparable to HDB, however at this time you may't." An motion for misrepresentation arises beneath the law of tort. A Misrepresentation happens when the Representor (Property Agent) makes a false assertion of existing truth with data of its falsity and with the intention that the Representee (Buyer or Seller) ought to act on it with the consequence that the Representee does act on it to his detriment. Metropolis & South West (D01-08) Tiong Bahru MRT Quiet C/Room F/Furnished w AC No Agent Price

On February 19 we had an appointment with the proprietor and his agent (A and H!) at the condominium to hand over the keys. They went by means of all the things with a wonderful tooth comb. An important lesson we learned over all this is that you simply MUST ENGAGE YOUR PERSONAL AGENT and never rely on the homeowners agent as his priority is to the proprietor not you. Nevertheless, last night time my own agent called me and informed me suddenly that ECG instructed them a buyer goes handy them a check within the morning, so we higher act fast or we may lose the property. Stamp responsibility is to be paid inside 14 days from the date of acceptance of the OTP or Sale and buy a house in singapore (click hyperlink) (S&P) Settlement. For more information, please go to www.iras.gov.sg - Gown Up Your House Woodlands East Industrial & Industrial Affiliation

There may also be a Code of Ethics and a Skilled Conduct Commonplace, as well as the introduction of disciplinary motion in opposition to errant brokers/businesses and dispute decision mechanisms. Preparations shall be made to manage the transition of existing agencies and agents to these new standards, which have but to be finalized. The Proposed Enchancment in High quality for Actual Property Businesses Wheelock Properties put up 95 items of The Panorama in Ang Mo Kio for balloting. With a reduction of 12 p.c, they claimed to promote 80 to eighty five units. Whereas developers are clearing their existing stock, every month there are new projects acquiring their HIGH and new sites released by the government to construct more private housing. The due date of each rental payment; or

To know who pays actual property commissions - whether or not it's sellers or buyers or both or if it is Landlord's or Tenant's or both Divisions vary. All Brokers work on a commission scheme that is determined by the experience, efficiency and various other elements equivalent to recruitment and many others. New brokers can receive from a range of 60%-70% of the full fee received by them from the closure of a deal. High producing brokers would possibly obtain 100% and pay the company (broker) a desk fee. Everybody else falls somewhere in between. Kindly discuss with the FAQ part of the CEA web site-www.cea.gov.sg Co-Broking / sharing of fee There isn't a set formulation. This is based on the demand and supply circumstances in the market. present agents have tertiary education.

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  1. (fr) La Machine d’arithmétique, Blaise Pascal, Wikisource
  2. 20 year-old Real Estate Agent Rusty from Saint-Paul, has hobbies and interests which includes monopoly, property developers in singapore and poker. Will soon undertake a contiki trip that may include going to the Lower Valley of the Omo.

    My blog: http://www.primaboinca.com/view_profile.php?userid=5889534
  3. 20 year-old Real Estate Agent Rusty from Saint-Paul, has hobbies and interests which includes monopoly, property developers in singapore and poker. Will soon undertake a contiki trip that may include going to the Lower Valley of the Omo.

    My blog: http://www.primaboinca.com/view_profile.php?userid=5889534
  4. 20 year-old Real Estate Agent Rusty from Saint-Paul, has hobbies and interests which includes monopoly, property developers in singapore and poker. Will soon undertake a contiki trip that may include going to the Lower Valley of the Omo.

    My blog: http://www.primaboinca.com/view_profile.php?userid=5889534
  5. Template:Cite web
  6. Hald, Anders A History of Probability and Statistics and Its Applications before 1750, (Wiley Publications, 1990) pp.44
  7. Devlin, Keith, The Unfinished Game: Pascal, Fermat, and the Seventeenth-Century Letter that Made the World Modern, Basic Books; 1 edition (2008), ISBN 978-0-465-00910-7, p. 20.
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  9. The Story of Civilization: Volume 8, "The Age of Louis XIV" by Will & Ariel Durant; chapter II, subsection 4.1 p.56)
  10. Connor, James A., Pascal's wager: the man who played dice with God (HarperCollins, NY, 2006) ISBN 0-06-076691-3 p. 42
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  12. Aristotle, Physics, VII, 1.
  13. Périer to Pascal, 22 September 1648, Pascal, Blaise. Oeuvres complètes. (Paris: Seuil, 1960), 2:682.
  14. Pour faire qu'une hypothèse soit évidente, il ne suffit pas que tous les phénomènes s'en ensuivent, au lieu que, s'il s'ensuit quelque chose de contraire à un seul des phénomènes, cela suffit pour assurer de sa fausseté, in Les Lettres de Blaise Pascal: Accompagnées de Lettres de ses Correspondants Publiées, ed. Maurice Beaufreton, 6th edition (Paris: G. Crès, 1922), 25–26, available at http://gallica.bnf.fr and translated in Saul Fisher, Pierre Gassendi's Philosophy and Science: Atomism for Empiricists Brill's Studies in Intellectual History 131 (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 2005), 126 n.7
  15. MIT, "Inventor of the Week Archive: Pascal : Mechanical Calculator", May 2003. "Pascal worked on many versions of the devices, leading to his attempt to create a perpetual motion machine. He has been credited with introducing the roulette machine, which was a by-product of these experiments."
  16. Connor, James A., Pascal's wager: the man who played dice with God (HarperCollins, NY, 2006) ISBN 0-06-076691-3 p. 70
  17. Miel, Jan. Pascal and Theology. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1969), p. 122
  18. Jacqueline Pascal, "Memoir" p. 87
  19. Miel, Jan. Pascal and Theology. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1969), p. 124
  20. Richard H. Popkin, Paul Edwards (ed.), Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 1967 edition, s.v. "Pascal, Blaise.", vol. 6, p. 52–55, New York: Macmillan
  21. Pascal, Blaise. Oeuvres complètes. (Paris: Seuil, 1960), p. 618
  22. MathPages, Hold Your Horses. For the sources on which the hypothesis of a link between a carriage accident and Pascal's second conversion is based, and for a sage weighing of the evidence for and against, see Henri Gouhier, Blaise Pascal: Commentaires, Vrin, 1984, pp. 379ff.
  23. Charles Perrault, Parallèle des Anciens et des Modernes (Paris, 1693), Vol. I, p. 296.
  24. Sainte-Beuve, Seventeenth Century ISBN 1-113-16675-4 p. 174 (2009 reprint).
  25. The Story of Civilization: Volume 8, "The Age of Louis XIV" by Will & Ariel Durant, chapter II, Subsection 4.4, p. 66 ISBN 1-56731-019-2
  26. 26.0 26.1 Muir, Jane. Of Men and Numbers. (New York: Dover Publications, Inc, 1996). ISBN 0-486-28973-7, p. 104.
  27. Muir, Jane. Of Men and Numbers. (New York: Dover Publications, Inc, 1996). ISBN 0-486-28973-7, p. 103.
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  29. One of the biggest reasons investing in a Singapore new launch is an effective things is as a result of it is doable to be lent massive quantities of money at very low interest rates that you should utilize to purchase it. Then, if property values continue to go up, then you'll get a really high return on funding (ROI). Simply make sure you purchase one of the higher properties, reminiscent of the ones at Fernvale the Riverbank or any Singapore landed property Get Earnings by means of Renting

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    A vendor's stamp duty has been launched on industrial property for the primary time, at rates ranging from 5 per cent to 15 per cent. The Authorities might be trying to reassure the market that they aren't in opposition to foreigners and PRs investing in Singapore's property market. They imposed these measures because of extenuating components available in the market." The sale of new dual-key EC models will even be restricted to multi-generational households only. The models have two separate entrances, permitting grandparents, for example, to dwell separately. The vendor's stamp obligation takes effect right this moment and applies to industrial property and plots which might be offered inside three years of the date of buy. JLL named Best Performing Property Brand for second year running

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