Henri Bergson

Definition

Henri Bergson was a French philosopher known for his ideas on time, consciousness, and creativity, emphasizing the distinction between scientific knowledge and intuitive understanding. His works focus on the notion of 'duration' as a qualitative experience that contrasts with the quantitative measurement of time, influencing various fields including philosophy, literature, and film theory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bergson's philosophy was influential in the early 20th century and challenged the prevailing scientific rationalism by prioritizing lived experience over abstract analysis.
2. He famously criticized mechanistic views of life and emphasized the importance of intuition in grasping the essence of reality.
3. His work 'Time and Free Will' laid the groundwork for understanding free will as an expression of individual creativity rather than deterministic behavior.
4. Bergson received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927, acknowledging his impact not just in philosophy but also in literature and culture.
5. His ideas were later embraced by philosophers such as Gilles Deleuze, who explored Bergson's notions of difference and repetition to articulate a non-representational approach to understanding existence.

Review Questions

• How does Bergson's concept of duration differ from traditional scientific measurements of time?
  • Bergson's concept of duration emphasizes a qualitative, subjective experience of time that reflects how individuals perceive their lives as flowing and continuous. Unlike traditional scientific measurements that treat time as a series of discrete units or intervals, Bergson argues that duration captures the inner richness and depth of lived experiences. This distinction highlights the limitations of purely quantitative approaches when it comes to understanding consciousness and human existence.
• Discuss how Bergson's notion of intuition contributes to his critique of mechanistic philosophy.
  • Bergson's notion of intuition serves as a counterpoint to mechanistic philosophy by suggesting that understanding reality requires more than analytical reasoning or empirical observation. He posits that intuition allows individuals to grasp the fluid and dynamic nature of existence, which is often overlooked by rigid scientific frameworks. This emphasis on intuitive knowledge enables a deeper appreciation for creativity and the evolving character of life, leading to a critique of reductionist views that fail to account for subjective experiences.
• Evaluate the influence of Henri Bergson on later philosophical movements, particularly in relation to Deleuze's concepts of difference and repetition.
  • Henri Bergson significantly influenced later philosophical movements, especially through Gilles Deleuze's interpretation of his ideas on difference and repetition. Deleuze builds on Bergson's notion that reality is fundamentally dynamic and characterized by constant change rather than fixed identities. By adopting Bergson's emphasis on fluidity and creativity, Deleuze develops a framework where difference is seen as primary, reshaping how existence is understood beyond traditional static representations. This connection illustrates Bergson's lasting impact on modern thought, particularly in addressing issues related to identity, time, and subjectivity.

Related terms

Duration: A concept introduced by Bergson that refers to the subjective experience of time as a flowing and qualitative phenomenon, differing from the mechanical measurement of time by clocks.

Intuition: Bergson's method of philosophical inquiry that values direct, instinctive understanding over analytical reasoning, allowing deeper insights into the nature of reality.

Élan Vital: A vital force or creative impulse proposed by Bergson that drives evolution and development in living organisms, reflecting his belief in a dynamic and creative universe.