The hypothesis of the existence of a covert connection between the notion of habit, in Ravaisson’s early works, and the notion of grace he develops in his latter writings points towards his somewhat original reading of Pascal. Ravaisson considers that Pascal’s emphasis on “l’esprit de finesse” and “le cœur”, far from undermining it, supports metaphysical inquiry; he provides aesthetic interpretations of themes or claims Pascal draws on; he mitigates and enriches Pascal’s conception of Christianity through reference to elements borrowed from Greek thought. Hence the idea that grace runs through reality, from works of arts to first principles. Grace is then associated with the theme of habit. Pascal was both interested in habit and grace, but Ravaisson elaborates the relation between grace and habit in a way that radically distinguishes him from Pascal.
Keywords
- grace
- habit
- Pascal
- Ravaisson