An Understanding of Human Thought through the Lens of Stream of Consciousness

This thesis explores the concept of "stream of consciousness" across philosophy, psychology, and literature. It examines William James's and René Descartes's philosophical contributions to understanding consciousness and time, highlighting James's concept of the "stream" as a continuous flow of entangled past, present, and future realities. Freud's psychoanalytic approach, utilizing stream of consciousness in therapy, is analysed, emphasizing its influence on understanding the unconscious mind and the development of psychoanalytic treatments. Finally, the thesis investigates how writers employed stream of consciousness techniques in novels, showcasing a shift from objective narrative to subjective inner experience, exemplified by the interior monologue. The study concludes that stream of consciousness offers a multidisciplinary perspective on human thought, revealing the interconnectedness of subjective and shared realities.