Henri Bergson 
Time and Free Will 
An Essay on the Immediate Data of Consciousness

Henri Bergson’s ‘Time and Free Will’ is a groundbreaking philosophical work that delves into the complexities of time, consciousness, and free will. Published in 1889, the book challenges traditional views on determinism and argues for a new understanding of human agency. Bergson’s writing style is deeply analytical and reflective, drawing on both scientific knowledge and metaphysical concepts to support his arguments. His exploration of the subjective experience of time and the limitations of rational thought make ‘Time and Free Will’ a thought-provoking and challenging read in the realm of modern philosophy. Henri Bergson, a prominent French philosopher and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, was known for his innovative ideas that bridged the gap between science and metaphysics. His interest in the nature of consciousness and the perception of time influenced his writing and led him to develop the ideas presented in ‘Time and Free Will’. Bergson’s background in both philosophy and mathematics gave him a unique perspective that shines through in this seminal work. I highly recommend ‘Time and Free Will’ to readers interested in exploring deep philosophical questions surrounding time, consciousness, and free will. Bergson’s innovative ideas and profound insights will challenge your thinking and offer a new perspective on these fundamental concepts.

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Henri Bergson (1859–1941) was a French philosopher renowned for his innovative and influential contributions to the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of language, among others. His work is marked by an enduring fascination with the nature of time and consciousness, themes that he explores with depth and originality throughout his career. Born in Paris, Bergson’s education was distinguished, culminating in his attendance at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure. A gifted student, he quickly made his mark in philosophical circles with his first major work, ‘Essai sur les données immédiates de la conscience’ (1889), later translated as ‘Time and Free Will: An Essay on the Immediate Data of Consciousness.’ In this seminal text, Bergson articulates his innovative concept of ‘duration, ‘ a continuous flow of time that is deeply intertwined with one’s subjective experience, in contradistinction to the quantitative, measurable time of science. Rejecting the deterministic implications of mechanistic science, Bergson argued for the reality of free will, positing that freedom is a direct experience that can be intuited in the immediacy of consciousness. His style is marked by an eloquence and clarity that has made his works accessible and resonant outside the bounds of academic philosophy, as he sought to address the pressing intellectual and spiritual concerns of his contemporaries. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927 in recognition of his rich and dynamic contributions to thought. His other notable works include ‘Matière et mémoire’ (1896) and ‘L’Évolution créatrice’ (1907), each further cementing his status as a pivotal figure in the development of 20th-century philosophy.