Bergson and the virtuality of memory

pages: 371-387

Abstract

This paper deals with the notion of virtual memory in Bergson’s philosophy, with special regard to the question of the independence of memory and the complex intertwining of spiritual recollections with perception. Attention is devoted to the Bergsonian analysis of the actualization of virtual contents. The author also confronts the Bergsonian notion of unconscious with that of Freud’s. It seems that the notion of virtual memory is relevant not only from a psychological or an epistemological perspective, but it has also some consequences with regard to practical philosophy. An excursus is devoted to the Deleuzien interpretation of virtuality. At the end of the paper the author discusses the immanent tensions within the Bergsonian concept of virtual memory from the aspect of temporal verticality, the impossible localization of virtuality and freedom. Keywords: memory, virtuality, perception, actualization, duration, unconscious, Bergson, Freud, Deleuze