125. A Letter from Blaise Pascal

The translation of a letter by Blaise Pascal on some important teachings of the Jesuits in the field of morality has been published by Brückner & Niemann in Leipzig. The letter deals with so-called probabilism, or the doctrine that certain human actions which the ordinary mind considers immoral can nevertheless be permitted if it can be shown that the perpetrator has a good purpose. Dueling and murder in particular are considered from this point of view. The pamphlet will be useful to those who wish to inform themselves about the much contested and highly peculiar views of the Jesuits on such matters.