The Introduction to Metaphysics

by Henri Bergson Narrated by Albert A. Anderson

Overview

The basic principles that Bergson articulates, especially his way of thinking about reality as a dynamic process and his view of human beings as creative and evolving, should be helpful to anyone who seeks to go beyond simply dealing with the practical demands of daily life and consider the nature of things. Of special importance is Bergson's claim that it is both possible and necessary to know from the inside rather than confining our attention to external perspectives and points of view. Intuition is able to get beyond what is relative and place us inside reality. This essay is, as the title says, an introduction. But if we think there is more to a human being-and even to nature itself-than material structures alone, perhaps the time has come to take a fresh look at Bergson's essay. In An Introduction to Metaphysics, Bergson traces the demise of metaphysics to the failure of both scientific materialism and dogmatism and to the immense success of a kind of pragmatism that promised liberation from the fruitless battles among various schools of philosophy. He also rejects relativism and criticizes the vacuum that is created when philosophers refuse to inquire about the nature of reality. To avoid metaphysics easily leads to a worldview shaped by unexamined ideas and hidden presuppositions.

Editorial Reviews

Peter A.Y. Gunter

With its signal distinction between 'intuition' and 'analysis' and its exploration of the different levels of Duration (Bergson's term for Heraclitean flux), An Introduction to Metaphysics has had a significant impact on subsequent twentieth century thought. The arts, from post-impressionist painting to the stream of consciousness novel, and philosophies as diverse as pragmatism, process philosophy, and existentialism bear its imprint. Consigned for a while to the margins of philosophy, Bergson's thought is making its way back to the mainstream. The reissue of this important work comes at an opportune time, and will be welcomed by teachers and scholars alike. -University of North Texas

Booknews

Reprints the 1949 publication of the 1912 translation of the essay la m<'e>taphysique/>, which appeared in a French journal in January 1903. While not an epitome of Bergson's (1859-1941) work in general, it provides a good introduction to it, and sets out his meaning of intuition at greater length than elsewhere. There is no index or bibliography. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From the Publisher

With its signal distinction between 'intuition' and 'analysis' and its exploration of the different levels of Duration (Bergson's term for Heraclitean flux), An Introduction to Metaphysics has had a significant impact on subsequent twentieth century thought. The arts, from post-impressionist painting to the stream of consciousness novel, and philosophies as diverse as pragmatism, process philosophy, and existentialism bear its imprint. Consigned for a while to the margins of philosophy, Bergson’s thought is making its way back to the mainstream. The reissue of this important work comes at an opportune time, and will be welcomed by teachers and scholars alike. --Peter A. Y. Gunter, University of North Texas

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169956177
Publisher:	Agora Publications
Publication date:	01/01/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged

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