Synopses & Reviews
For much of his life, Pascal (1623-62) worked on a magnum opus which was never published in the form the philosopher intended. Instead, Pascal left a mass of fragments, some of them meant as notes for the
Apologie. These became known as the
Pensées, and they occupy a crucial place in Western philosophy and religious writing.
Pascal's general intention was to confound scepticism about metaphysical questions. Some of the Pensées are fully developed literary reflections on the human condition, some contradict others, and some remain jottings whose meaning will never be clear. The most important are among the most powerful aphorisms about human experience and behavior ever written in any language.
This translation is the only one based on the Pensées as Pascal left them. It includes the principal dossiers classified by Pascal, as well as the essential portion of the important Writings on Grace. A detailed thematic index gives access to Pascal's areas of concern, while the selection of texts and the introduction help to show why Pascal changed the plan of his projected work before abandoning the book he might have written.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Review
"It is an outstandingly clear translation."--Doug Kennard, Moody Bible Institute
"Excellent edition and translation."--Professor Forrest Williams, University of Colorado
"With its informative introduction, clear translation, and accessible arrangement, this volume would serve admirably in sparking discussion in class and in inducing students to ponder unexpected questions."--(Dom) Pashcal M. Baumstein, O.S.B., Belmont Abbey College
"Very readable. A fine translation."--Professor Michael Boylan, Marymount University
"This is the edition of the Pensees I've been waiting for. I'll definitely use it in undergraduate courses."--Doug Blount, Criswell College
"This is a solid translation and Anthony Levi's introduction brings a definite plus to it."--Catherine Danielou, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Synopsis
For much of his life, Pascal (1623-62) worked on a magnum opus which was never published in the form the philosopher intended. Instead, Pascal left a mass of fragments, some of them meant as notes for the Apologie. These became known as the Penses, and they occupy a crucial place in Western philosophy and religious writing. This translation is the only one based on the Penses as Pascal left them. It includes the principal dossiers classified by Pascal, as well as the essential portion of his important Writings on Grace.
About the Author
Honor Levi is a teacher at St Leonard's School, St Andrew's, Fife. Anthony Levi is a retired Professor of French at St Andrews.