In Bergson's philosophy, duration (French: durée) refers to the continuous flow of subjective, qualitative, and non-measurable time experienced by individuals. Unlike the objective, quantitative time of science and mathematics, which is divided into discrete units, Bergson's concept of duration emphasizes the lived experience of time as a holistic and indivisible phenomenon.
Duration is characterized by its fluidity and indivisibility, with past, present, and future blending together in a continuous stream. Bergson argued that our experience of time is not captured by the linear, static framework of clock time but is instead a dynamic process that constantly unfolds and evolves.
Bergson's concept of duration is central to his philosophy of intuition and creativity. He believed that by immersing ourselves in the flow of duration through intuitive perception, we can gain insight into the true nature of reality and access higher forms of knowledge beyond what is measurable or quantifiable.
