Psychology: Briefer Course

"Psychology: Briefer Course" by William James is a late 19th-century publication designed to make key psychological ideas more accessible. It's a shorter version of James's larger work and explores psychology as a science, emphasizing states of awareness such as feelings, and thinking. The book begins by explaining the author's purpose and the idea that psychology is about studying consciousness and its link to the body. James argues that mental states are connected to physical conditions, suggesting mental activities relate to bodily responses. Presenting psychology as operating within the guidelines of science, he stresses studying consciousness by looking at its relationship with brain functions and lays the groundwork for further exploration.