Bergson's philosophy of biology : virtual and the vital / Tano Posteraro.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Posteraro, Tano, Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biology--Philosophy.

Biology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (312 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press, [2022]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Reconstructs Bergson’s philosophy of biology in dialogue with the life sciences of todayCritically reappraises Bergson’s evolutionary metaphysicsIncludes summaries, interpretations and evaluations of Bergson’s various engagements with evolutionary theory Provides a counterpoint to the traditional understanding of Bergson as a phenomenologist Offers a critical rejoinder to Bergson's reputation as a metaphysical vitalist by bringing his work into dialogue with arguments and issues in the philosophy of scienceMakes a strong case for Bergson’s interdisciplinary relevance outside of the typical fields of philosophy, literature and the artsWe are in the midst of a return to Henri Bergson – the French philosopher whose influence touches the fields of continental philosophy, literary theory and art theory. This revival of interest in his work could even be called 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. He presents an alternative Bergson: not a phenomenologist whose central concern is the conscious experience of lived time or the lived body in time, but a systematic philosopher of biology with a robust, prescient and largely workable evolutionary programme.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

Introduction: Between Philosophy and Biology

1 The Actual: Mechanism, Finalism, Modality

2 The Virtual: Instantiation, Implication, Dynamics

3 A Discourse on Tendency

4 Individuality and Organisation

5 Finalism Inverted

6 Canalisation and Convergence

Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 29. Jul 2022)

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

1-4744-8883-8

OCLC:

1338019726