Bergson and the Paradox of the Human Condition

This book aims at showing how a possible philosophy of life can arise from Bergson s notion of time. In realising this aim, the author refers to Hadot s description of the paradox of the human condition. There are a lot of dualities in Bergson s philosophy all of which, the author claims, are based on the fundamental duality concerning the human condition. The author presents the phenomenological, vitalist and existentialist aspects of the paradox all of which she believes are based on Bergson s distinction between homogeneous time and concrete duration. The author claims that when both the paradox and its possible resolution are restated in Bergsonian notions, a Bergsonian philosophy of life that consists of a life sub specie durationis arises. The paradox is restated by means of two arguments. It is claimed that although focusing on the conclusions of these arguments do not lead to a formal contradiction, an individual who accepts the legitimacy of both arguments is bound to find himself in a deep confusion. This book is intended for those interested in an exploratory and exemplary discussion of a philosophy put into practice.