The Polemics of Libertine Conversion in Pascal's Pensées

Literary and historical scholars have traditionally interpreted 17th century French Libertinism as a precursor to 18th century Enlightenment thought. Yet in Pascal`s time, even the most erudite and rational libertine philosophers also held a vast and seemingly contradictory array of occult beliefs. From the Literary and historical scholars have traditionally interpreted 17th century French Libertinism as a precursor to 18th century Enlightenment thought. Yet in Pascal`s time, even the most erudite and rational libertine philosophers also held a vast and seemingly contradictory array of occult beliefs. From the mystical power of the Philosopher`s stone to the numerology of the Christian Cabala, Pascal scrutinizes the entire heterogeneous spectrum of libertine thought in his Pensées. His apology for the Christian faith is a radical departure from the established apologetic tradition which ridiculed the libertine adversary. He strives to engage his libertine interlocutors on their own terms in an unprecedented, open and sincere debate over the validity of the Christian religion. Boitano`s study casts new light upon the occult aspects of 17th century libertinage and Pascal`s polemical examination of them in his Pensées.