Human Nature and Conduct · Character

Bergson

French philosopher mentioned for his ideas on time, impulse, and creativity.

minor

First appearance: human nature and conduct

Bergson shows up with force in Custom and Habit. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Dewey critiques Bergson's separation of spirit and habit, and his concept of the élan vital as a blind creative force that may be destructive rather than creative.

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In Custom and Habit: Dewey critiques Bergson's separation of spirit and habit, and his concept of the élan vital as a blind creative force that may be destructive rather than creative. Later, in Part II: The Place of…

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Bergson appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Custom and Habit
Dewey critiques Bergson's separation of spirit and habit, and his concept of the élan vital as a blind creative force that may be destructive rather than creative.
Part II: The Place of Impulse in Conduct
Mentioned in relation to the concept of impulse and creative evolution.
V: Classification of Instincts
Dewey references Bergson's philosophy in the context of impulse and the creative evolution of self, though indirectly through the discussion of ongoing process.
No Separate Instincts
Referenced indirectly via the critique of fixed instincts and the emphasis on change and variation.
Habit and Intelligence
Noted for his philosophy of intuition, which Dewey critiques as merely elaborating the popular notion that instinct constitutes knowledge.
The Nature of Principles
Dewey briefly references Bergson to reject any dualism between fixed habit and pure flux, affirming instead a continuity of growth in moral principles.
Desire and Intelligence
Alluded to in the context of critics who emphasize desire and creative impulse over intellect.
Morals Are Human
Mentioned indirectly in the context of impulse and intelligence; Dewey's discussion of conflict as a gadfly to thought aligns with Bergson's emphasis on creative evolution.

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See Bergson in Custom and Habit