Bergson Thinking Backwards

An examination of the philosophy of Henri Bergson (1859-1941) showing how relevant Bergson is to much contemporary philosophy.

This is a book about the philosophy of Henri Bergson (1859–1941) which shows how relevant Bergson is to much contemporary philosophy. The book takes as its point of departure Bergson's insistence on precision in philosophy. It then discusses a variety of topics including laughter, the nature of time as experienced, how intelligence and language should be construed as a pragmatic product of evolution, and the antinomies of reason represented by magic and religion. This is not just another exposition of Bergson's work. It offers an account of why Bergson commanded such a massive reading public in his own day and why he deserves to be read now. Written in a terse and clear style, this book will prove appealing to teachers and students of philosophy, cognitive science, psychology, religious studies and literature.

Introduction; 1. The requirement of precision; 2. Philosophy and knowledge; 3. Durance: unfolding in time; 4. Laughter; 5. Tension; 6. Aporetic philosophy; 7. Branching; 8. Going beyond; 9. Chance, magic and the primitive: the antinomies of pure intelligence; 10. Paradoxical epilogue: reason ruefully repressed.

This is a book about the philosophy of Henri Bergson (1859-1941) which shows how relevant Bergson is to much of contemporary philosophy. Written in a terse and clear style, this book will prove appealing to teachers and students of philosophy, cognitive science, psychology, religious studies and literature.