Philosophy often serves as a guide for those seeking to lead a more meaningful life, yet the vast amount of information available can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is important to return to the foundational concepts that shape our understanding, such as the philosophy of Henri Bergson and his exploration of the idea of the self. Gaining a deeper understanding of these ideas can profoundly influence how we apply philosophy to enrich our lives. This article will examine Bergson’s philosophy, his concept of the self, and their significance in the quest for a more meaningful existence.
Key features of Henri Bergson’s philosophy
Henri Bergson was a French philosopher best known for his ideas on time, consciousness, and creativity. One of the key features of his philosophy is the concept of “duration” (la durée), which refers to the subjective, lived experience of time. Unlike mechanical or clock time, which divides time into measurable units, Bergson emphasized that real time is fluid and continuous, reflecting the way we experience it in life. He argued that this inner experience cannot be fully captured by scientific or mathematical methods.
Another central idea in Bergson’s philosophy is the “élan vital,” or vital force, which he saw as the creative drive behind all living things. According to Bergson, life evolves through this force, which allows for growth, change, and innovation. He also highlighted the importance of intuition over rigid analytical reasoning in understanding the world. For Bergson, intuition was a way of grasping reality directly, beyond abstract concepts.
Bergson believed that creativity and freedom were essential aspects of human existence. He rejected deterministic views and stressed the importance of individual agency, where people can shape their lives and futures through creative action. His work influenced a wide range of fields, from literature to psychology, and continues to inspire discussions on the nature of time, life, and human experience.
What is the self?
Henri Bergson, a French philosopher, offered a unique perspective on the concept of the self. He believed that the self is not something fixed or static but is instead dynamic and constantly changing over time. According to Bergson, the self is composed of two parts. The first part is the “superficial self,” which relates to the outward, day-to-day personality shaped by habits, routines, and social interactions. This aspect of the self operates within structured patterns and appears stable from an external standpoint.
The second part is the “deeper self,” which Bergson described as a more fluid, inner essence that cannot be fully captured or defined. This deeper self allows an individual to experience true freedom, creativity, and continuous growth. Bergson emphasized that this dynamic nature of the deeper self is tied to the concept of “duration,” which he described as the continuous flow of time in which no two moments are identical. For him, the self exists within this flux of time, evolving through lived experiences and constantly recreating itself.
Bergson’s view highlights that understanding the self requires looking beyond surface-level identities and recognizing its complex, evolving nature. This inner fluidity makes each person unique and underscores the self as a process rather than a fixed entity.
An example can help shed light on this philosophical perspective. Imagine an artist painting a portrait. While working, the artist continuously makes decisions, blending colours, adjusting brushstrokes, and experimenting with ideas. These choices aren’t just calculated actions but emerge from their evolving personal experience, feelings, and memories influencing the process in real-time. The painting, in its final form, reflects not only the artist’s technical skills but also their individuality and the continuous flow of their inner life during its creation. It showcases how the artist’s self was not static but dynamically shaped and reshaped during the act of creation. This illustrates a sense of the self that is fluid and constantly in motion rather than fixed or pre-defined. The portrait becomes a unique result of the artist’s lived experience at that particular moment, reflecting their growth and transformation throughout the process.
Challenges to Henri Bergson’s view about the self
Some philosophers object to or reject Henri Bergson’s view about the self for a variety of reasons, many of which pertain to how his ideas contrast with more traditional philosophical perspectives. One significant reason is that Bergson’s ideas often emphasize intuition and subjective experience over logical analysis and empirical evidence. Critics who favor a more scientific approach argue that this reliance on intuition makes his philosophy less rigorous and harder to verify. For these philosophers, a view of the self should be rooted in rational frameworks, observable data, or systematic methodologies rather than personal, inner experiences that are difficult to quantify or assess objectively.
Another objection involves the practicality and clarity of Bergson’s concepts. Some critics find that his language and descriptions of the self are abstract and overly poetic, leading to misunderstandings or difficulties in applying his ideas effectively. Philosophy often strives for clarity, and thinkers who value precise definitions and analytical reasoning may feel that Bergson’s discussions lack the structure needed to produce clear, actionable insights. This vagueness, they argue, limits the usefulness of his work in contributing to broader philosophical debates about the nature of the self.
Additionally, philosophers influenced by materialism and neuroscience may object to Bergson’s views because they often conflict with modern scientific understandings of the brain and mind. For materialists, the self is closely tied to the physical brain and its processes, meaning that discussions about the self should align with observable biological facts. Bergson’s approach, which arguably leans toward a more metaphysical or spiritual understanding of the self, appears disconnected from scientific advancements in understanding consciousness and identity.
Lastly, some critics challenge Bergson’s ideas because they perceive them as incompatible with longstanding Western traditions of thought, such as those rooted in Descartes or Kant. These traditions often frame the self in terms of reason, identity, or categorization, contrasting sharply with Bergson’s emphasis on fluidity and change. Philosophers attached to these frameworks might reject Bergson’s arguments because they see them as undermining the stability and coherence typically ascribed to the self.
Overall, objections to Bergson’s view often stem from a preference for logic, clarity, and scientific compatibility, which some feel his philosophy does not adequately meet.
Why the self is important to Henri Bergson’s philosophy
These are several fundamental reasons why grasping the concept of the self is crucial to comprehending Henri Bergson’s philosophy.
- The self as a central concept in philosophy
Understanding the idea of the self helps to address one of philosophy’s fundamental questions—what it means to be an individual. The concept of the self is tied to consciousness, identity, and personal experience, all of which are essential in exploring deeper philosophical questions. The self provides a framework for exploring how individuals perceive the world around them and themselves. Philosophical ideas about the self lay the groundwork for discussing other major topics such as free will, morality, and knowledge. By focusing on the self, it becomes possible to analyze how personal experiences shape thought and understanding, making it a foundational element for any philosophy that seeks to explore human consciousness.
- The self connects experience to time
Time is a fundamental aspect of human life, and the self plays a key role in bridging the passage of time with personal experience. The self allows us to reflect on the past, experience the present, and anticipate the future, integrating these moments into a coherent understanding of our own existence. Philosophical ideas about the self provide insights into the relationship between temporal experiences and identity. Without the concept of the self, it would be challenging to explain how memories, decisions, and anticipations shape an individual’s perspective of the world over time. Exploring the self in connection to time opens up a pathway to understand how people evolve and adapt through their experiences.
- The self as a basis for creativity and intuition
The self is closely tied to creativity and the ability to think intuitively. Philosophically, the self provides a way to explore how individuals develop unique ideas and insights that shape their actions and creations. By understanding the self, it becomes possible to consider how internal thoughts and feelings influence expressions of creativity, especially when those ideas seem to emerge spontaneously. Creativity and intuition are often viewed as deeply personal experiences, inseparable from the sense of self. These traits are significant for understanding how people interpret and contribute to the world in unique ways, which are fundamental to both individual growth and shared human culture.
Contrasting Henri Bergson’s philosophy with René Descartes’s philosophy
Henri Bergson’s view about the self contrasts significantly with René Descartes’s philosophy. Descartes is famous for his statement “I think, therefore I am,” which emphasizes reason and rationality as the core of human existence. For Descartes, the self is primarily a thinking substance—something that can be understood through logical thought and intellectual analysis. His philosophy prioritizes the mind as separate from the body, creating a clear dualism between the two.
On the other hand, Bergson takes a different perspective. While avoiding specifics about his philosophy, it can be said that he moves away from treating the self as something that can be fully understood through rational analysis alone. Bergson suggests that the self is more fluid, dynamic, and connected to lived experience and time rather than being a fixed, separate entity. This approach stands in contrast to Descartes, who views the self as more static and tied to unchanging truths that can be discovered through logical reasoning.
The key difference lies in how the self is understood. Descartes relies on reason and clear, distinct thinking to define the self, while Bergson emphasizes the complexity and evolving nature of individuality. This shift highlights a fundamental divergence between their philosophical approaches, with Bergson focusing less on strict dualism and more on the interconnected and dynamic qualities of human existence.
The Self, Henri Bergson’s philosophy and the philosophy of life
Reflecting on Henri Bergson’s view about the self, whether one agrees with it or not, is a valuable exercise when developing a personal philosophy of life. Engaging with such ideas challenges us to think deeply about our own identity, our growth, and how we perceive the continuous flow of life. By questioning and analyzing philosophical views on the self, we are encouraged to explore what it means to be authentic, to live with intention, and to genuinely express who we are. This reflection can lead to a greater sense of self-awareness, which is critical for making meaningful decisions and living in alignment with our values.
Additionally, considering Bergson’s perspective reminds us that philosophies about the self are not just abstract ideas—they have implications for how we approach life’s challenges and opportunities. By examining alternate ways to think about the self, we can better understand the underlying reasons for our actions, reactions, and aspirations. This process can teach us to be more adaptable and open-minded as we strive to grow and evolve over time. Even if one disagrees with Bergson, the practice of engaging with his or any philosopher’s perspective helps sharpen critical thinking skills, allowing us to articulate and defend our beliefs with greater clarity.
Furthermore, reflecting on such views teaches humility. Recognizing that there are diverse and often conflicting perspectives on the nature of the self can foster empathy and respect for others, whose experiences and views may differ fundamentally from our own. This broader understanding can contribute to building stronger connections with others and nurturing a sense of community. It also serves as a reminder that personal growth and the pursuit of an enriching life are ongoing processes, influenced not only by our own introspection but also by the wisdom we glean from different thinkers and philosophies.
Ultimately, grappling with concepts like those found in Bergson’s philosophy can serve as a catalyst for refining your own philosophy of life. It urges you to question, reflect, and aim for improved self-awareness. Whether or not you adopt Bergson’s ideas, the very act of engaging with them offers practical tools for understanding the world and your place in it. By doing so, you can build a foundation for personal meaning and a more intentional, fulfilled existence.
Further reading
Ansell-Pearson, K. (2002). Philosophy and the adventure of the virtual: Bergson and the time of life. Routledge.
Bergson, H. (1910). Time and free will: An essay on the immediate data of consciousness (F. L. Pogson, Trans.). George Allen & Unwin. (Original work published 1889)
Bergson, H. (1911). Creative evolution (A. Mitchell, Trans.). Henry Holt and Company. (Original work published 1907)
Deleuze, G. (1988). Bergsonism (H. Tomlinson & B. Habberjam, Trans.). Zone Books.
Durie, R. (2018). Time and the instant: Essays in the physics and philosophy of time. Clinamen Press.
Guerlac, S. (2006). Thinking in time: An introduction to Henri Bergson. Cornell University Press.
Kolakowski, L. (1985). Bergson. Oxford University Press.
Mullarkey, J. (1999). Bergson and philosophy. Edinburgh University Press.
Russell, B. (1946). A history of western philosophy. Simon and Schuster.
Shaviro, S. (2010). Without criteria: Kant, Whitehead, Deleuze, and aesthetics. MIT Press.