HENRI BERGSON: SCIENCE, LIFE-SCIENCE, PHILOSOPHY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
HENRI BERGSON: SCIENCE, LIFE-SCIENCE, PHILOSOPHY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Summary/Abstract: The developments in 19th century life-science were, in many ways, a continuation of the scientific revolution that begun in the 16th century. Yet, these developments also marked a new era, since now not only matter, but also life and humans, could, ostensibly, be understood within the scientific paradigm. In the article, I argue that these developments met with two basic and polarized responses, which are manifested in the dichotomy between modernism and postmodernism. Moreover, this dichotomy continues to divide both the academic world and society more generally. However, I suggest that there is a third possible response, one taken by Henri Bergson and one that has received much less attention. This response offers a middle way between these extremes, acknowledging scientific achievements yet emphasizing the uniqueness of life and human existence. It thus seeks to maintain the autonomy of the study of life and of philosophy as a life-oriented discipline.

• Details
• Contents