Politeness

Abstract

Abstract In his lecture on politeness, the young Bergson provides a conceptual frame and a moral lesson that anticipate themes and ideas of his more mature philosophy. Starting from the question about whether politeness is “a science, an art, or a virtue,” Bergson offers his own original answer built on a tripartite classification of politeness that he borrows from the aristocratic tradition and imbues with republican ideals. In condemning obsequious hypocricy and celebrating grace, Bergson hints at his rejection of instrumental reason and his trust in intuition and sympathy as ways of knowing. His view of politeness as a virtue is meant to be a celebration of the power of philosophy to help us imagine the ideal citizen of an ideal republic.