Bergson'S Philosophy of Biology: Virtuality, Tendency and Time

Tano S. Posteraro's book offers a fresh perspective on Bergson by presenting him as a systematic philosopher of biology with a robust evolutionary programme, making his ideas relevant to contemporary biology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Why read Bergson now? And why, as a philosopher of biology in particular? On the one hand, we are in the midst of a return to Bergson, a revival of interest in his work, and even a full-blown Bergson renaissance. Tano S. Posteraro contributes to this increasingly serious study of Bergson's philosophy with a tight focus on Bergson's theory of evolution. Moreover, he presents an alternative Bergson, not as a phenomenologist whose central datum is the conscious experience of lived time or the lived body in time, but rather as a systematic philosopher of biology with a robust, prescient, and largely workable evolutionary programme. The result is a Bergson for the biology of today.

Bergson's philosophy is particularly relevant in the context of biology, as he offers a unique perspective on the relationship between life and matter. He argues that life is not merely a physical process, but also a spiritual one, and that the two are interconnected in a profound way. This perspective challenges traditional scientific understandings of life, which often treat it as a purely mechanical system. By incorporating the spiritual dimension into his theory of evolution, Bergson provides a framework for understanding the emergence of new species and the complexity of biological systems.

Furthermore, Bergson's philosophy is deeply rooted in the concept of time. He believes that time is not a linear progression, but rather a circular one, with each moment containing within it the seeds of the future. This understanding of time has profound implications for our understanding of the natural world, as it suggests that the past and the future are not separate entities, but are interconnected in a dynamic and complex way.

In addition to his theory of evolution, Bergson also offers insights into the nature of consciousness and the role of the imagination in shaping our understanding of the world. He argues that consciousness is not a static entity, but rather a dynamic process that is constantly evolving and adapting to its environment. The imagination, he suggests, is a key tool for this evolution, as it allows us to envision new possibilities and to explore the unknown.

Overall, Bergson's philosophy is a rich and complex one that offers valuable insights into the nature of life, consciousness, and the natural world. As a philosopher of biology in particular, his work provides a framework for understanding the complexity of biological systems and the emergence of new species. By incorporating the spiritual dimension into his theory of evolution, he provides a unique perspective on the relationship between life and matter.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474488808