Philosophy offers profound insights for those seeking to live a more meaningful life, but the sheer abundance of information can often feel overwhelming. It is essential to return to the foundational ideas that shape our understanding, such as Henri Bergson’s philosophy and his concept of freedom. These ideas hold significant value in enhancing how we apply philosophy to our personal quest for meaning. This article will examine Bergson’s philosophy, the notion of freedom, and their importance in the broader pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Key features of Henri Bergson’s philosophy
Henri Bergson, a French philosopher, is best known for his ideas about time, consciousness, and creativity. Central to his philosophy is the distinction between two kinds of time. The first, “clock time,” is the measurable, linear time we use to organize daily life. The second, “real time” or “duration,” is how we personally experience time as a continuous flow, which can feel faster or slower depending on our emotions and activities. Bergson believed that human experience cannot be fully understood through rigid, mechanical frameworks like science and logic alone.
Another key element of his philosophy is his concept of élan vital, or “vital impulse.” This is a creative force that he saw as driving all life and evolution, emphasizing adaptability and creativity over rigid determinism. Bergson argued that life is inherently dynamic and unpredictable, constantly evolving in ways that cannot be fully explained by material or scientific laws.
Bergson’s work challenges us to look beyond surface-level explanations and consider the deeper, intangible elements of human experience. He connected philosophy to art and intuition, suggesting they are essential for grasping the complexities of life. Through his ideas, Bergson encouraged a holistic view of the world, balancing science with the richness of personal and creative experiences.
What is freedom?
Henri Bergson viewed freedom as an expression of the human will that goes beyond mechanical or determined actions. For Bergson, freedom is deeply connected to individuality and creativity. He believed that true freedom arises when a person acts in alignment with their inner self, rather than simply reacting to external pressures or following predetermined rules. Bergson’s philosophy emphasizes that human actions are not just automatic responses to the outside world. Instead, they can emerge from the deeper, unique personality of each person.
A key part of Bergson’s idea of freedom is the connection between time and the human experience. He argued that life unfolds in a continuous flow, which he called “duration.” This is different from the rigid, measurable time of clocks. For Bergson, freedom means being part of this natural flow, making choices that feel genuinely linked to one’s personal way of being in the world.
Beyond external influences, freedom according to Bergson is about expressing inner potential. It involves letting go of rigid patterns of thought and action to allow for more authentic decision-making. Essentially, freedom, in Bergson’s view, means that actions come from the individual’s true self and not from forces outside their control.
This example serves to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Consider a person standing at a crossroads, contemplating which path to take. According to Henri Bergson’s ideas, freedom is more than just choosing A or B—it involves a deeply personal, intuitive decision shaped by one’s unique past experiences and inner life. For instance, imagine an artist deciding how to approach a new painting. They have endless possibilities—colours, techniques, and subjects—all of which stem from their creativity and individuality. Their final choice is not merely a logical analysis of options but an expression of their inner self. This decision, flowing from their personal essence, reflects a freedom that goes beyond mere calculation. It demonstrates a creative, evolving, and wholly individual process that unfolds authentically, rather than adhering to preconceived rules or external pressures. This artistic moment embodies the richness and depth of the type of freedom Bergson philosophized about.
Challenges to Henri Bergson’s view about freedom
Some philosophers have objected to or rejected Henri Bergson’s ideas about freedom for various reasons, often centered around concerns about clarity, logic, or consistency. One common critique is that Bergson’s philosophy relies heavily on intuition rather than rational analysis. While Bergson emphasizes the importance of intuition in understanding freedom, critics argue that this approach is too vague and lacks the precision needed for philosophical argument. They believe that depending on intuition makes it difficult to evaluate or test his ideas in a systematic manner.
Another reason for opposition comes from philosophers who favor deterministic frameworks. Determinism holds that every event, including human actions, is determined by prior causes. These thinkers argue that Bergson’s views on freedom may contradict scientific principles and observable facts about causation. They believe that his ideas fail to account for the role of external factors and past influences on human behaviour, making his understanding of freedom appear unrealistic or overly optimistic.
Some critics also argue that Bergson’s approach to freedom lacks practical application or relevance. Philosophers who prioritize practical concerns, such as ethics or political philosophy, may find his ideas too abstract or removed from real-world experiences. Without clear guidance on how his concept of freedom applies to everyday life or societal structures, they see his views as offering little utility in addressing pressing philosophical or social questions.
Additionally, Bergson’s rejection of mechanistic or scientific interpretations of human actions has led some to criticize his views as anti-scientific. Philosophers who align closely with scientific methods may view this rejection as a step backward, as it seemingly ignores advancements in fields like neuroscience or psychology, which provide insights into human decision-making and behaviour.
Overall, objections to Bergson’s ideas on freedom often stem from concerns about their lack of clarity, conflict with deterministic principles, impracticality, or perceived disregard for scientific knowledge. These critiques highlight the ongoing tension between different philosophical methods and frameworks when dealing with complex topics like human freedom.
Why freedom is important to Henri Bergson’s philosophy
These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of freedom is essential to comprehending Henri Bergson’s philosophy.
- Freedom is Central to Human Experience
The idea of freedom is important in understanding philosophy because it is deeply tied to how humans perceive their individuality and choices. Freedom represents the capacity to make decisions that are not entirely dictated by external circumstances or predetermined rules. This concept allows us to think about what it means to be human and how individuals relate to the world. Philosophers often explore freedom as the foundation for creativity, growth, and personal development. By considering freedom as a key aspect of human experience, it becomes possible to explore questions about identity, responsibility, and how people shape their lives.
- Freedom and Creativity are Closely Linked
Freedom is often viewed as necessary for creativity, which is vital in many areas of human life, including art, science, and problem-solving. The capacity to act freely allows individuals to imagine new ideas, take risks, and pursue unique approaches without being constrained by predetermined frameworks. This perspective connects freedom to innovation and originality, both of which are essential for progress and the evolution of knowledge. The relationship between freedom and creativity gives insight into how individuals and societies develop over time, emphasizing the importance of living in ways that encourage independent thought and expression.
- Freedom Relates to Ethical Responsibility
The idea of freedom is often tied to questions of moral and ethical responsibility. When individuals have the ability to make free choices, they also bear accountability for their actions. This connection helps us think about important issues like justice, fairness, and the ways people treat one another. Without the concept of freedom, it can be harder to understand how responsibility works or why it matters in our interactions with others. By exploring freedom in this context, philosophy provides tools to examine how individuals can live in a way that respects both their own autonomy and the needs of others.
Contrasting Henri Bergson’s philosophy with Baruch Spinoza’s philosophy
Henri Bergson’s view on freedom fundamentally differentiates his philosophy from that of Baruch Spinoza. For Bergson, freedom is deeply tied to the concept of free will and spontaneity, emphasizing the unique, evolving nature of human choices. He believed that true freedom is found in creative acts that arise from an individual’s inner self, reflecting their unique personality and life force. This perspective highlights individuality and the importance of subjective experience in decision-making.
On the other hand, Spinoza saw freedom in the context of necessity and understanding. According to Spinoza, everything, including human actions, follows the laws of nature, meaning that events are determined by prior causes. For him, freedom does not mean the ability to choose without constraints but rather lies in understanding the natural order and aligning oneself with it. By gaining knowledge of the universe and understanding one’s place within it, individuals can achieve a form of intellectual freedom, not through resisting necessity but through accepting and comprehending it.
Thus, the main distinction lies in their views on autonomy and determinism. Bergson places freedom in the realm of creativity and self-expression, prioritizing the evolving, unpredictable essence of human actions. Meanwhile, Spinoza’s view aligns freedom with a rational understanding of the determined universe, where liberation comes through knowledge rather than spontaneity. This fundamental difference reflects their contrasting philosophical approaches to life and existence.
Freedom, Henri Bergson’s philosophy and the philosophy of life
Reflecting on Henri Bergson’s view about freedom can be a valuable exercise, regardless of whether you agree with it or not. Contemplating ideas like his invites you to critically examine what freedom means to you and how it fits into the broader framework of your own philosophy of life. Even if his perspective doesn’t resonate with you, engaging with it challenges you to clarify your beliefs, question your assumptions, and refine your understanding of complex concepts like choice, action, and individuality.
The practical importance of this reflection lies in its ability to shape how you approach your daily life and long-term goals. Thinking about freedom—and what it takes to achieve it—can inspire you to consider how much control you have over your decisions and habits. Are your choices truly your own, or are they shaped by external influences like societal expectations or personal fears? By wrestling with these questions, you can develop a more intentional and empowered way of living, one that aligns with your core values and aspirations.
Furthermore, reflecting on Bergson’s ideas can encourage mindfulness and authenticity. It pushes you to acknowledge the subjective nature of your experiences and see the role of intuition and creativity in shaping your path. This process can help you recognize that defining your philosophy of life is not about finding definitive answers but about staying engaged with life’s ongoing uncertainties. It’s about continuing to grow, rethink, and adapt—something that Bergson’s emphasis on change and movement naturally evokes.
Ultimately, exploring his philosophy is less about agreeing or disagreeing and more about using it as a catalyst for self-discovery. Whether or not his views align with yours, they offer an opportunity to explore meaningful questions that are central to living a fulfilling and thoughtful life. Reflecting on them can deepen your understanding of yourself and your place in the world, fostering growth in both philosophy and personal practice.
Further reading
Bergson, H. (1910). Time and Free Will: An Essay on the Immediate Data of Consciousness. London, UK: George Allen & Unwin.
Bergson, H. (1911). Creative Evolution. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
Deleuze, G. (1988). Bergsonism (H. Tomlinson & B. Habberjam, Trans.). New York, NY: Zone Books.
Guerlac, S. (2006). Thinking in Time: An Introduction to Henri Bergson. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
James, W. (1917). Essays in Pragmatism. New York, NY: Longmans, Green & Co.
Lacey, A. R. (1989). Bergson. London, UK: Routledge.
Lawlor, L. (2003). The Challenge of Bergsonism. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Academic.
Mullarkey, J. (1999). Bergson and Philosophy. Edinburgh, UK: Edinburgh University Press.
Ansell-Pearson, K. (2005). Philosophy and the Adventure of the Virtual: Bergson and the Time of Life. New York, NY: Routledge.
Merleau-Ponty, M. (1964). Signs (R. McCleary, Trans.). Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press.