Henri Bergson French idealist philosopher winner of the 1927 Nobel Prize in Literature Date of Birth: 18.10.1859 Country: France

1. Biography of Henri Bergson
2. Early Life and Education
3. Philosophical Career
4. Contributions to Philosophy
5. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of Henri Bergson

Henri Bergson was a French philosopher and idealist, born on October 18, 1859, in Paris, France. He is best known for his intuitive philosophy and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927.

Early Life and Education

Bergson grew up in a Jewish family and was the son of a musician. He showed great intellectual promise from a young age and attended the Lycée Condorcet in Paris. After completing his baccalauréat, he went on to study philosophy at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure.

Philosophical Career

Bergson's philosophical career began in the late 19th century when he started to develop his own unique theories. He believed that intuition was the key to understanding the true nature of reality, rather than relying solely on scientific or rational methods.

In 1900, Bergson became a professor at the Collège de France, where he taught philosophy for over three decades. His lectures were highly influential and attracted students from all over the world.

Contributions to Philosophy

One of Bergson's most notable contributions to philosophy was his concept of duration, which he described as the experience of time. He argued that time is not a series of separate moments, but rather a continuous flow of consciousness. This idea challenged the traditional view of time as a static and measurable entity.

Bergson also believed in the creative evolution of life and saw it as a cosmic process aimed at transforming matter. He emphasized the importance of individual experience and personal freedom, rejecting the notion of determinism.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1914, Bergson was elected as a member of the French Academy, solidifying his status as one of the leading intellectuals of his time. He continued to write and lecture on philosophy until his death on January 4, 1941, in Paris.

Bergson's ideas had a significant impact on various fields, including literature, art, and psychology. His intuitive approach to philosophy challenged the prevailing scientific and rationalistic worldview, making him a prominent figure in the early 20th-century intellectual landscape. Today, his works continue to be studied and his legacy as a philosopher and Nobel laureate remains influential.