The Stream of Consciousness: VIII. James's Ejective Consciousness (First Part)

Abstract

The present series concerning the stream of consciousness continues with two articles that examine James's conception of “ejective” consciousness in The Principles. During certain altered states, and perhaps at other times as well, mental-occurrence instances take place that are not part of the individual's original stream of consciousness. Usually, if not always, such “split-off” mental-occurrence instances comprise a second stream, which, according to James, is no less conscious and personal than the original stream is. However, the durational components of the second stream are distinct from nonconscious mental occurrences. Whereas James argues against the existence of nonconscious mental occurrences, of which there can be no inner awareness by definition, James does countenance a second stream of consciousness, of which the first stream can have only inferential knowledge, and vice versa. Both streams include inner awareness of their own basic durational components.