Thinking and philosophy of Henri Bergson

Henri Bergson (1859–1941) was a French philosopher known for his influential ideas on time, consciousness, and creativity. His philosophy is often seen as a reaction against the mechanistic and deterministic views of the world that were prevalent during his time, especially those rooted in the scientific materialism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some key concepts and themes central to Bergson's thought: ### 1. **Time**: Bergson distinguished between two types of time: - **Spatialized Time (measured time)**: This is the time we measure via clocks and calendars, which is quantitative and divides time into discrete intervals. It's the objective time of science. - **Duration (la durée)**: This is the qualitative, lived experience of time, which is more fluid and subjective. Bergson argued that true life is characterized by this inner duration, where past experiences blend with present perceptions in a continuous flow. ### 2. **Intuition vs. Intellect**: Bergson emphasized the importance of intuition as a means of understanding reality. He believed that the intellect's analytical functions tend to dissect and categorize experiences, while intuition allows for a more holistic grasp of the complexities of life. Through intuition, one can access the essence of reality that reason may overlook. ### 3. **Vitalism**: Bergson proposed a concept called "élan vital," or vital impetus, which refers to the creative life force that drives evolution and the development of life. He countered the mechanistic view of life by suggesting that evolution is not merely a process of random mutations and natural selection but is also guided by this vital force that symbolizes creativity and change. ### 4. **Creative Evolution**: In his major work, "L'évolution créatrice," Bergson argued against the idea of a deterministic evolutionary process. Instead, he posited that evolution is a creative and dynamic unfolding of life. He suggested that life is characterized by an unpredictable and innovative force, which leads to new forms and adaptations rather than simply being a response to environmental pressures. ### 5. **Memory**: Bergson's exploration of memory was deeply intertwined with his notions of time and consciousness. He differentiated between two types of memory: habitual memory, which focuses on actions and skills, and pure memory, which is more akin to recollection that brings past experiences to consciousness. This aligns with his belief that a full understanding of human experience requires acknowledging the depth and richness of memory. ### 6. **Philosophical Method**: Bergson's philosophical approach often involved a critique of established scientific and philosophical methods. He believed that much of philosophy had become overly abstract and disconnected from the concrete experiences of life. His emphasis on the lived experience of time and the intuitive grasp of reality reflects a desire to bridge the gap between philosophy and the real world. ### 7. **Influence**: Bergson's ideas had a significant impact on various fields, including psychology, literature, and the arts. His emphasis on the fluidity of time and conscious experience resonated with existentialists, phenomenologists, and later thinkers like Martin Heidegger and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. In summary, Henri Bergson's philosophy offers a rich alternative to mechanistic and materialistic worldviews by emphasizing the importance of time, creativity, and the inner workings of consciousness. His ideas encourage us to contemplate the intricacies of existence and the dynamic nature of life itself.