"Pascal's analysis of the human predicament leads up to his famous Wager argument, by means of which he hopes to tip the scales in favor of theism.  The founder of probability theory, Pascal argues that when the odds that God exists are even, then the prudent man will gamble that God exists.  This is a wager that all men must make- the game is in progress and a bet must be laid.  There is no option:  you have already joined the game.  Which then will you choose-that God exists or that he does not?  Pascal argues that since the odds are even, reason is not violated in making either choice; therefore, reasons cannot determine which bet to make.  Therefore, the choice should be made pragmatically in terms of maximizing one's happiness.  If one wagers that God exists and he does, one has gained eternal life and infinite happiness.  If he does not exist, one has lost nothing.  On the other hand, if one wagers that God does not exist and he does, then one has suffered infinite loss.  If he does not in fact exist, then one has gained nothing.  Hence, the only prudent choice is to believe that God exists."