The Misuse of Mind

"The Misuse of Mind" by Karin Stephen is a reflective exploration of the early 1900's philosophical landscape, challenging traditional thinking by analyzing Henri Bergson's views on intellectualism. The book investigates the constraints of analytical methods in philosophy and presents Bergson’s arguments for a revised understanding of reality and knowledge. Stephen navigates the criticisms of Bergson, particularly the accusation that his philosophy promotes intellectual complacency because of his decreased reliance on strict logic. Instead, Bergson advocates for a transformative shift in mental habits, insisting that genuine comprehension stems from immediate experiences rather than relying on abstract ideas. This philosophical approach encourages readers to reconsider their assumptions about how intellectual biases affect their grasp of reality.