II. Immediacy.

A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson

This chapter introduces Henri Bergson’s philosophy, centering on the concept of duration as its foundational intuition. Bergson’s philosophy is distinguished by its emphasis on action and the intuition of time, challenging the traditional static view of existence. The chapter outlines Bergson’s critical approach to understanding and evaluating philosophy, not through isolated propositions but through the holistic experience of duration, illuminating its significance by examining its practical implications.

The text delineates the philosopher’s duty to articulate their starting point clearly, emphasizing methodology over summarization. Bergson’s philosophy is positioned as an exploration rather than a predefined system, evolving through the critical examination of knowledge itself. Philosophy is characterized as a reflective act, aimed at understanding rather than merely expanding the body of knowledge, contrasting with spontaneous or scientific thought that prioritizes utility and practical outcomes over contemplative accuracy.

The distinction between common sense and good sense is crucial in Bergson’s critique of knowledge. Common sense is seen as a practical orientation towards life, guided by utility and the immediate applicability of perceptions. Conversely, good sense represents a more nuanced, reality-sensitive approach, capable of resisting the oversimplifications of logic and anticipating the complexity of life. Bergson argues for a philosophy that transcends utilitarian common sense, seeking a purer engagement with life’s immediacy.

Bergson’s methodology advocates for a return to immediate, lived experiences as the foundation of philosophical inquiry. This immersiveness in life’s flow challenges the demarcation between subject and object, suggesting a more integral experience of reality. His critique extends to the sciences, which, despite their precision, remain anchored in common-sense postulates, thus limiting their capacity to fully emancipate thought from practical constraints.

In essence, Bergson invites a philosophical reorientation towards the immediacy of life, advocating for an intuitive, preconceptual engagement with reality. This approach seeks not just to analyze or describe life in detached terms but to live philosophically, embracing the fluid, continuous experience of duration as the core of existence and knowledge.