Bergsonism meaning

Bergsonism definitions

Bergsonism is a philosophical concept that is based on the ideas of French philosopher Henri Bergson. This school of thought focuses on the notion of duration and time as key elements in understanding human experience and consciousness.

Key Principles

Bergsonism emphasizes the importance of intuition over intellect in comprehending reality. It suggests that traditional philosophical methods, which rely heavily on analysis and categorization, may not capture the essence of lived experience. Instead, Bergson advocates for a more holistic approach that considers the immediacy and flow of time.

Concept of Duration

Central to Bergsonism is the concept of duration, which refers to the continuous, indivisible flow of time. Bergson distinguishes between two types of duration: quantitative, measurable time (clock time) and qualitative, subjective time (experienced time). He argues that the latter is more vital for understanding consciousness and reality.

Elan Vital

Another key concept in Bergsonism is "elan vital," which translates to "vital impulse" or "life force." This idea suggests that there is a creative energy inherent in all living beings that drives evolution and growth. It is this elan vital that Bergson believed propels individuals towards greater complexity and freedom.

Influence

Bergsonism has had a significant influence on various fields, including literature, psychology, and phenomenology. Writers such as Virginia Woolf and Marcel Proust were inspired by Bergson's ideas on memory and perception. Psychologists like William James incorporated his concepts of intuition and lived experience into their research. Phenomenologists such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty drew on Bergson's notions of embodied consciousness.

Legacy

While Bergsonism has faced criticism for its perceived vagueness and lack of empirical evidence, it continues to be a thought-provoking approach to understanding the complexities of human existence. The emphasis on intuition, duration, and elan vital challenges traditional philosophical frameworks and invites a deeper exploration of lived experience.

Bergsonism Examples

1. The professor discussed Bergsonism and its impact on modern philosophy.
2. Her interpretation of the book was heavily influenced by the principles of Bergsonism.
3. Many scholars consider Bergsonism to be a revolutionary approach to metaphysics.
4. The filmmaker's experimental work was inspired by Bergsonism and its concepts of time.
5. In his essay, he delved into the complexities of Bergsonism as a philosophical movement.
6. The artist's abstract paintings reflect the ideas of Bergsonism in a unique way.
7. Students in the philosophy class engaged in a lively debate about the tenets of Bergsonism.
8. The novel's protagonist grapples with the concept of free will through the lens of Bergsonism.
9. The speaker at the conference explored the intersections between Bergsonism and modern psychology.
10. The playwright incorporated elements of Bergsonism into her latest work, challenging traditional narrative structures.

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