Pascal on the (In)accessibility of Natural Law

• In Event: Pascal's Politics

Abstract

Pascal grounds his understanding of human reason -- both its transcendent potential and its worldly limits – in his theological anthropology. Pascal believes that man, in his fallen state, errs in reason and fails to grasp the natural law (i.e. that which is just). As such, man acts not according to Justice itself but rather abides by laws as established – even though he believes he acts according to the former. Therefore, mankind’s rational failings bind him to custom as the effective arbiter of what is just and unjust. Pascal asserts that “Montaigne was wrong: custom should only be followed because it is custom, and not because it is reasonable or just.” Some scholars have interpreted Pascal’s skepticism towards the capacity of individual reason to determine just action – and his consecutive reliance on custom and established laws -- as a defense of authoritarianism (see A.W.S. Baird, 1975). However, I will argue that Pascal presents a pragmatic argument for the maintenance of political order, and, in doing so, challenges any political order which seeks a top-down manifestation of transcendent principles.

Author

• Kayla Bartsch, Independent Scholar