Bergson

Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was one of the most celebrated and influential philosophers of the twentieth century. He was awarded in 1928 the Nobel prize for literature for his philosophical work and his controversial ideas about time memory and life shaped generations of thinkers writers and artists. In this clear and engaging introduction Mark Sinclair examines the full range of Bergson's work. The book sheds new light on familiar aspects of Bergson’s thought but also examines often ignored aspects of his work such as his philosophy of art his philosophy of technology and the relation of his philosophical doctrines to his political commitments. After an illuminating overview of his life and work chapters are devoted to the following topics: the experience of time as duration the experience of freedom memory mind and body laughter and humour knowledge art and creativity the élan vital as a theory of biological life ethics religion war and modern technology With a final chapter on his legacy Bergson is an outstanding guide to one of the great philosophers. Including chapter summaries annotated further reading and a glossary it is essential reading for those interested in metaphysics time free will aesthetics the philosophy of biology continental philosophy and the role of European intellectuals in World War I.