William James, James Joyce, and Consciousness
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CPSC-345 |
William James |
James Joyce |
Consciousness
Start of the Project
Two influences begin to account for thinking about William James and
James Joyce in the context of consciousness.
In the summer of 1998, a group from Modern Library announced their list
of 100
best novels published in the English language since 1900, and
James Joyce's book Ulysses received first place. Whether or
not one thinks of the book that highly, the ranking indicates the acclaim of others. William James is noted in the history of cognitive psychology for his
early influence. His view of "stream of consciousness"
(Principles
of Psychology-1890, as well as the chapter
with that title from Psychology-1892)
has been associated with Joyce's use of the technique in Ulysses (1922). Though direct influence of James' philosophy on Joyce's writing
has not been found and is not offered here, there may be benefit in learning more about
stream of consciousness through these books, seeing their time of publication,
individual influence, and that they notably bring to mind and present the idea.
From James we gather personal reflections and theories of how
the mind works, and from Joyce we get examples
of consciousness imaged in art and occasion to benefit
consciousness (or understanding of consciousness) in doing so.
There is, however, no assuming that the writers
of these books know more, or that reviewing these words should add
to consciousness, awareness, understanding or life for another person.
Importance of consciousness and its unique standing in cognitive studies.
Consciousness itself is recommended for study (or attentive acknowledgement)
because of its uniqueness in experience. Will, Self-control, Imagination, Knowledge, Awareness of own thought.
.
William James' view of consciousness.
James Joyce's presentation of human thought and awareness.
Use James' "Principles of Psychology" and Joyce's "Ulysses", and the idea of stream of consciousness (perhaps consciousness in general) as it relates to both books. Specifically link the project to either
- appreciation of jokes and what is required for a sense of humor
- case study of someone with exceptional talent or ability