Is Pascal's wager programmed into our genes?

Hm...that's a way of looking at it. I guess the "fight or flight" instinct is a good cause for Pascal's Wager....very interesting.

Sort of, at least from the gambling aspect. Gambling probably has several roots, i.e. trying to kill a prey when they are within questionable distance, trying a new food, running when there might be danger.

However, belief and wanting others to believe probably has a basis as well as this may have helped strength a small social group. Then too, our ability to manipulate symbols also contributes to the mix.

I think the difference is that we know predators exist and are just trying to avoid chance encounters with them.

When you apply the wager to God it is like you are assuming predators in a world that has none.

It's a stretch, but a very interesting one. I think you could apply it to things like lightning, tornadoes and volcanoes as well. Something big and scary and capricious, better try and make "nice nice" with it.

Angus...ouch. But it did make me laugh, so I gave you a thumbs-up anyway.

It's close. Same basic concept

Cobol's wager is programmed into mine...hehe...little programmer humor...very little.

how come things you cant explain are 'programmed in the genes'

You're stretching, but I see your logic.

It makes sense...but I agree...it is a stretch.

I wish Scottie would beam you up. I wonder how brave you would be.