"The Story of Philosophy: Contemporary European Philosophers: Bergson, Croce, and Bertrand Russell" by Will Durant offers a comprehensive look at the lives and philosophies of three influential thinkers who shaped early 20th-century European thought. Durant provides accessible and engaging summaries of their key ideas and contributions to philosophy.
Henri Bergson: Durant explores Bergson's philosophy of time and consciousness. Bergson's distinction between "clock time" and "lived time" (durée) revolutionized the understanding of human experience, emphasizing intuition over analytical reasoning. Bergson's work in metaphysics and his critique of mechanistic views of life highlight his belief in the creative evolution of life.
Benedetto Croce: The book examines Croce's contributions to aesthetics and historiography. Croce viewed art as a form of expression and emphasized the importance of intuition and imagination in the creative process. His philosophy of history argued that historical knowledge is a reconstruction of the past shaped by contemporary perspectives and concerns.
Bertrand Russell: Durant delves into Russell's contributions to logic, mathematics, and analytic philosophy. Russell's work in logical atomism and his advocacy for scientific rationalism had a profound impact on the development of modern philosophy. Additionally, Durant covers Russell's social and political activism, highlighting his efforts to apply philosophical principles to issues of war, education, and human rights.
Through vivid biographical sketches and clear explanations of their philosophies, Durant provides a thorough understanding of how Bergson, Croce, and Russell each advanced contemporary European thought. "The Story of Philosophy: Contemporary European Philosophers" is essential reading for those interested in the intellectual currents that shaped modern philosophy and their ongoing influence today.