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Abstract
The author rereads Pascal's Wager in all of its complexities and contradictions, rejecting Manichean readings as being far too schematic. Pascal, through pragmatic argument, attempts to demonstrate the rationality of belief. In thinking that he can direct his (imaginary) conversation partner to faith, Pascal gains some autonomy over Jansenist principles. Inexplicably, Pascal's position seems to contradict his vision of Christianity. First, he shows the libertine that gambling on God is rational. Then he reminds him that, according to the principles of Catholicism, even if he places a wager in favor of the existence of God, his eternal salvation is by no means assured. The wager can end only in disappointment, and indeed it fails to provide substantiated proof. The author explores why Pascal chose to use such an imperfect device.