Abraham Tucker as an 18th-century William James: Stream of consciousness, role of examples, and the importance of writing

The neglected 18th-century English philosopher Abraham Tucker is argued to be important for psychology, with notable similarities to William James. Both shared a humorous, humane style focused on concrete examples from everyday life rather than abstract theories. Substantively, Tucker, like James, viewed consciousness as a stream occurring over time. Both emphasized habit's role in individual and social life and depicted infants as overwhelmed by sensation. Tucker may have been neglected because he challenged the ideal of the conscious, rational ego before unconscious thinking gained acceptance. This comparison serves a critical purpose: psychology's rhetoric matters, and warm-hearted writing has value beyond theory and methodology.

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Abstract

This article discusses the psychological writings of the neglected 18th-century English philosopher Abraham Tucker and argues for his importance. The article explores the similarities between Tucker’s work and that of William James. It is suggested that both share a humorous and humane style, which concentrates on exploring concrete examples, especially from everyday life, rather than constructing abstract theories. Moreover, there are substantive similarities. Tucker, like James, saw consciousness occurring over time as a river or stream. Both stressed the importance of habit for individual and social life, and both depicted the infant as being overwhelmed by sensation. Tucker may have been neglected because he was “dethroning” the ideal of the conscious, rational ego before the importance of unconscious thinking had gained currency. This celebration of Tucker through the parallel with James has a critical purpose. Psychology is more than theory and methodology; it has to be written. Its rhetoric is important. The examples of James and Tucker show the value of warm-hearted writing.