The Meaning of the War: Life & Matter in Conflict

Name: The Meaning of the War: Life & Matter in Conflict
Author: Henri Bergson

By Henri Bergson

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - European History - Modern (1750+)Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

The author presents a concise public address that applies a philosophical distinction between life and matter to the experience of war, contrasting a wasting, mechanical force with an enduring, creative force and urging the triumph of spiritual, non-materialist values. He critiques doctrines that reduce human action to material determinism or endorse racial hierarchies, arguing for a moral stance rooted in sympathy rather than hatred. The reflections are framed as a direct moral appeal during wartime and are accompanied by a short related essay that develops the same ethical and political consequences of his philosophy.

About the Author

Henri Bergson

Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was a French philosopher renowned for his influential ideas on time, consciousness, and evolution. His work is characterized by a unique blend of philosophical inquiry and scientific thought, challenging the mechanistic views of his time. Bergson's notable works include "Creative Evolution," where he explores the concept of life as a dynamic process, and "Time and Free Will," which examines the nature of human consciousness and perception of time. His philosophical contributions have had a lasting impact on various fields, including psychology, literature, and the arts, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern thought.