A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson By: Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy (1870-1954)
A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson by Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the groundbreaking ideas put forth by the influential French philosopher, Henri Bergson. Le Roy, through his meticulous research and engaging writing style, presents a captivating analysis of Bergson's philosophy, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Bergson's thought. The book begins by providing a biographical account of Bergson's early life, formative experiences, and the intellectual milieu that shaped his ideas. This contextualization is crucial, as it allows readers to grasp the profound impact of Bergson's background on the development of his philosophy. Le Roy skillfully weaves together historical anecdotes and philosophical reflections, providing a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the world of Bergson. One of the book's major strengths is its clear and accessible manner of explicating Bergson's theories. Le Roy adeptly navigates the intricate concepts put forth by Bergson, successfully distilling them into digestible explanations without sacrificing their depth. Whether discussing Bergson's important notion of duration or his groundbreaking concept of intuition, Le Roy's lucid explanations ensure that readers can grasp the essence of these complex ideas. Additionally, Le Roy incorporates a wide range of primary and secondary sources to bolster his arguments and enrich the reader's understanding. He deeply engages with Bergson's original texts, incorporating extensive quotations to demonstrate his key points. Moreover, Le Roy delves into the works of other prominent philosophers who influenced or were influenced by Bergson, such as Gilles Deleuze and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. This adds another layer of intellectual depth to the book, allowing readers to see how Bergson's ideas reverberated through the philosophical landscape. Another commendable aspect is Le Roy's careful consideration of the criticisms and controversies surrounding Bergson's philosophy. He acknowledges the debate and presents counterarguments, enabling readers to form their own interpretations and conclusions. The inclusion of differing perspectives enhances the book's objectivity and encourages critical engagement with Bergson's ideas. However, one drawback of this otherwise comprehensive work is the occasional denseness of the writing. Some sections can be challenging to navigate due to the academic language used. Although this is understandable given the complex subject matter, it may be daunting for readers without a solid background in philosophy. Nonetheless, Le Roy’s efforts to simplify the material in other areas offer a counterbalance to this issue. In sum, A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson by Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy is an impressive and masterfully written exploration of one of philosophy's most significant figures. Its strengths lie in its meticulous research, clear elucidation of Bergson's intricate concepts, and inclusion of diverse perspectives. Despite occasionally dense prose, this book serves as a necessary and valuable companion for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of Bergson's philosophy and its enduring relevance. First Page: A NEW PHILOSOPHY: HENRI BERGSON by Edouard le Roy Translated from the French by Vincent Benson Preface This little book is due to two articles published under the same title in the "Revue des Deux Mondes", 1st and 15th February 1912. Their object was to present Mr Bergson's philosophy to the public at large, giving as short a sketch as possible, and describing, without too minute details, the general trend of his movement. These articles I have here reprinted intact. But I have added, in the form of continuous notes, some additional explanations on points which did not come within the scope of investigation in the original sketch. I need hardly add that my work, though thus far complete, does not in any way claim to be a profound critical study. Indeed, such a study, dealing with a thinker who has not yet said his last word, would today be premature. I have simply aimed at writing an introduction which will make it easier to read and understand Mr Bergson's works, and serve as a preliminary guide to those who desire initiation in the new philosophy. I have therefore firmly waived all the paraphernalia of technical discussions, and have made no comparisons, learned or otherwise, between Mr Bergson's teaching and that of older philosophies. I can conceive no better method of misunderstanding the point at issue, I mean the simple unity of productive intuition, than that of pigeon holing names of systems, collecting instances of resemblance, making up analogies, and specifying ingredients... Continue reading book >>

A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson By: Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy (1870-1954)

A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson by Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the groundbreaking ideas put forth by the influential French philosopher, Henri Bergson. Le Roy, through his meticulous research and engaging writing style, presents a captivating analysis of Bergson's philosophy, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Bergson's thought.

The book begins by providing a biographical account of Bergson's early life, formative experiences, and the intellectual milieu that shaped his ideas. This contextualization is crucial, as it allows readers to grasp the profound impact of Bergson's background on the development of his philosophy. Le Roy skillfully weaves together historical anecdotes and philosophical reflections, providing a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the world of Bergson.

One of the book's major strengths is its clear and accessible manner of explicating Bergson's theories. Le Roy adeptly navigates the intricate concepts put forth by Bergson, successfully distilling them into digestible explanations without sacrificing their depth. Whether discussing Bergson's important notion of duration or his groundbreaking concept of intuition, Le Roy's lucid explanations ensure that readers can grasp the essence of these complex ideas.

Additionally, Le Roy incorporates a wide range of primary and secondary sources to bolster his arguments and enrich the reader's understanding. He deeply engages with Bergson's original texts, incorporating extensive quotations to demonstrate his key points. Moreover, Le Roy delves into the works of other prominent philosophers who influenced or were influenced by Bergson, such as Gilles Deleuze and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. This adds another layer of intellectual depth to the book, allowing readers to see how Bergson's ideas reverberated through the philosophical landscape.

Another commendable aspect is Le Roy's careful consideration of the criticisms and controversies surrounding Bergson's philosophy. He acknowledges the debate and presents counterarguments, enabling readers to form their own interpretations and conclusions. The inclusion of differing perspectives enhances the book's objectivity and encourages critical engagement with Bergson's ideas.

However, one drawback of this otherwise comprehensive work is the occasional denseness of the writing. Some sections can be challenging to navigate due to the academic language used. Although this is understandable given the complex subject matter, it may be daunting for readers without a solid background in philosophy. Nonetheless, Le Roy’s efforts to simplify the material in other areas offer a counterbalance to this issue.

In sum, A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson by Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy is an impressive and masterfully written exploration of one of philosophy's most significant figures. Its strengths lie in its meticulous research, clear elucidation of Bergson's intricate concepts, and inclusion of diverse perspectives. Despite occasionally dense prose, this book serves as a necessary and valuable companion for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of Bergson's philosophy and its enduring relevance.

First Page:

A NEW PHILOSOPHY: HENRI BERGSON

by Edouard le Roy

Translated from the French by Vincent Benson

Preface

This little book is due to two articles published under the same title in the "Revue des Deux Mondes", 1st and 15th February 1912.

Their object was to present Mr Bergson's philosophy to the public at large, giving as short a sketch as possible, and describing, without too minute details, the general trend of his movement. These articles I have here reprinted intact. But I have added, in the form of continuous notes, some additional explanations on points which did not come within the scope of investigation in the original sketch.

I need hardly add that my work, though thus far complete, does not in any way claim to be a profound critical study. Indeed, such a study, dealing with a thinker who has not yet said his last word, would today be premature. I have simply aimed at writing an introduction which will make it easier to read and understand Mr Bergson's works, and serve as a preliminary guide to those who desire initiation in the new philosophy.

I have therefore firmly waived all the paraphernalia of technical discussions, and have made no comparisons, learned or otherwise, between Mr Bergson's teaching and that of older philosophies.

I can conceive no better method of misunderstanding the point at issue, I mean the simple unity of productive intuition, than that of pigeon holing names of systems, collecting instances of resemblance, making up analogies, and specifying ingredients... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
Philosophy

eBook links
Wikipedia – Edouard Louis Emmanuel Julien Le Roy
Wikipedia – A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac