This paper revisits the famous 1922 debate between Einstein and Bergson on the nature of time, outlining its central philosophical and scientific points of contention and re-evaluating them in light of developments in quantum physics. Einstein’s conception of time is that of an objective, measurable, and relative dimension within a static four-dimensional “block universe.” In contrast, Bergson conceives of time (durée) as a qualitative, continuous, and creative flow of consciousness that resists reduction to quantitative measurement. The emergence of quantum mechanics, particularly the Heisenberg time–energy uncertainty principle, introduces new complexities that challenge this dichotomy. Quantum features of time, such as intrinsic uncertainty, the indeterminacy of precise moments, and the relational role of the observer, undermine the deterministic framework of classical and relativistic physics and appear, at least superficially, to resonate with Bergson’s critique of spatialized, discrete conceptions of time. However, a closer examination reveals that quantum time remains a quantitative, physical construct distinct from Bergson’s qualitative durée. Drawing upon modern theories such as loop quantum gravity (as articulated by Carlo Rovelli and Lee Smolin) and the insights of contemporary philosophers, this study argues that neither a purely physical nor a purely philosophical approach can, in isolation, account for the multifaceted nature of time. Rather, a comprehensive understanding requires a synthesis of both, recognizing them as complementary perspectives on a single underlying reality.
Sufiani, R. and Ebrahimi, B. (2025). Examining the Einstein-Bergson Controversy about Time Considering the Time-Energy Uncertainty Principle. Journal of Philosophical Investigations, (), -. doi: 10.22034/jpiut.2025.69665.4267
MLA
Sufiani, R. , and Ebrahimi, B. . "Examining the Einstein-Bergson Controversy about Time Considering the Time-Energy Uncertainty Principle", Journal of Philosophical Investigations, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22034/jpiut.2025.69665.4267
HARVARD
Sufiani, R., Ebrahimi, B. (2025). 'Examining the Einstein-Bergson Controversy about Time Considering the Time-Energy Uncertainty Principle', Journal of Philosophical Investigations, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22034/jpiut.2025.69665.4267
CHICAGO
R. Sufiani and B. Ebrahimi, "Examining the Einstein-Bergson Controversy about Time Considering the Time-Energy Uncertainty Principle," Journal of Philosophical Investigations, (2025): -, doi: 10.22034/jpiut.2025.69665.4267
VANCOUVER
Sufiani, R., Ebrahimi, B. Examining the Einstein-Bergson Controversy about Time Considering the Time-Energy Uncertainty Principle. Journal of Philosophical Investigations, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22034/jpiut.2025.69665.4267
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