Modern French Philosophy | Page 2

apparaîtrait comme propre à ce penseur, originale et plus forte.
Mais cet inconvénient était inévitable et l'envers de l'avantage que je
signalais plus haut, celui de l'ordre, de la continuité et de la clarté._
_Le travail du Dr. Gunn m'apparaît comme tout à fait distingué. Il
témoigne d'une information singulièrement étendue, précise et sûre.
C'est l'oeuvre d'un esprit d'une extrême souplesse, capable de
s'assimiler vite et bien la pensée des philosophes, de classer les idées
dans leur ordre d'importance, de les exposer méthodiquement et les
apprécier à leur juste valeur._
H. Bergson
[These pages are a revised extract from the more formal Rapport which
was presented by M. Bergson to the University of Liverpool].

PREFACE
THIS work is the fruit of much reading and research done in Paris at
the Sorbonne and Bibliothèque nationale. It is, substantially, a revised
form of the thesis presented by the writer to the University of Liverpool
for the degree of Doctor in Philosophy, obtained in 1921. The author is
indebted, therefore, to the University for permission to publish. More
especially must he record his deep gratitude to the French thinkers who
gave both stimulus and encouragement to him during his sojourn in
Paris. Foremost among these is M. Henri Bergson, upon whose rapport

the Doctorate was conferred, and who has expressed his appreciation of
the work by contributing a Foreword for publication.
Mention must also be made of the encouragement given by the late M.
Emile Boutroux and by the eminent editor of the well-known _Revue
de Métaphysique et de Morale_, M. Xavier Léon, a leading spirit in the
_Société de Philosophie_, whose meetings the writer was privileged to
attend by invitation. Then MM. Brunschvicg, Levy- Bruhl, Lalande,
Rey and Lenoir, from time to time discussed the work with him and he
must record his appreciation of their kindness.
To Professor Mair of Liverpool is due the initial suggestion, and it has
been felt a fitting tribute to his supervision, criticism, encouragement
and sympathy that this book should be respectfully dedicated to him by
one of his grateful pupils. In the labour of dealing with the proofs, the
writer has to acknowledge the co-operation of Miss M. Linn and Mr. J.
E. Turner, M.A.
* * * * *
The method adopted in this history has been deliberately chosen for its
usefulness in emphasising the development of ideas. A purely
chronological method has not been followed. The biographical system
has likewise been rejected. The history of the development of thought
centres round problems, and it progresses in relation to these problems.
The particular manner in which the main problems presented
themselves to the French thinkers of the second half of the nineteenth
century was largely determined by the events and ideas which marked
the period from 1789 to 1851. For this reason a chapter has been
devoted to Antecedents. Between the Revolution and the _coup d'état_
of Napoleon III., four distinct lines of thought are discernible. Then the
main currents from the year 1851 down to 1921 are described, with
special reference to the development of the main problems. The
reconciliation of science and conscience proved to be the main general
problem, which became more definitely that of Freedom. This in itself
is intimately bound up with the doctrines of progress, of history, of
ethics and religion. These topics are discussed in a manner which
shows their bearing upon each other. The conclusion aims at displaying
the characteristics of French thought which reveal themselves in the
study of these great problems. Its vitality, concreteness, clearness,
brilliance and precision are noted and a comparison made between

French thought and German philosophy.
From a general philosophical standpoint few periods could be so
fascinating. Few, if any, could show such a complete revolution of
thought as that witnessed since the year 1851. To bring this out clearly
is the main object of the present book. It is intended to serve a double
purpose. Primarily, it aims at being a contribution to the history of
thought which will provide a definite knowledge of the best that has
been said and thought among philosophers in France during the last
seventy years. Further, it is itself an appeal for serious attention to be
given to French philosophy. This is a field which has been
comparatively neglected by English students, so far as the nineteenth
century is concerned, and this is especially true of our period, which is
roughly that from Comte to Boutroux (who passed away last month)
and Bergson (who has this year resigned his professorship). It is the
earnest desire of the writer to draw both philosophical students and
lovers of France and its literature to a closer study and appreciation of
modern French philosophy. Emotion and sentiment are inadequate
bases for an entente which is to be really