What is the definition of stream of consciousness?
Q: What is the definition of stream of consciousness?
A: Stream of consciousness refers to the flow of thoughts in the conscious mind.
Q: Who was the American psychologist and philosopher that used the term "stream of consciousness" in 1890?
A: The American psychologist and philosopher that used the term "stream of consciousness" in 1890 was William James.
Q: How did William James describe consciousness in relation to the term "stream of consciousness"?
A: William James described consciousness as a flow and not something that is chopped up in bits. He used metaphors like a "river" or "stream" to describe it.
Q: When was the idea of stream of consciousness noted before James?
A: The idea of stream of consciousness was noted before James by the philosopher William Hamilton in his lectures of 1838/9.
Q: How did William Hamilton describe thought?
A: William Hamilton described thought as "a series of acts all... connected".
Q: What is a similar idea to stream of consciousness in early Buddhist writings?
A: A similar idea to stream of consciousness in early Buddhist writings is the mindstream.
Q: What did William James say about words like "chain" or "train" in describing stream of consciousness?
A: William James said that such words as "chain" or "train" do not describe stream of consciousness fitly as it presents itself in the first instance.
