Bergson, Henri (1859-1941), French idealistic philosopher. According to his philosophical views, Bergson belonged to the French neo-spiritualists. Bergson's contemporaries considered him one of the most prominent and original thinkers of France at the time. His philosophical teaching, brought into connection with James's pragmatism, was very influential and had many followers. In general, Bergson's philosophy had a great influence on many philosophers, sociologists, historians, writers and leading figures of the French syndicalist movement.