Why did William James question the value of studying consciousness?

William James questioned the value of studying consciousness because he believed that consciousness was too fluid and dynamic to be effectively analyzed in isolation. He argued that it is better understood as a continuous stream of thoughts and experiences rather than as discrete elements. Additionally, James emphasized the practical implications of psychology, suggesting that focusing solely on consciousness might detract from understanding behavior and the broader context of human experience. This pragmatic approach encouraged a more holistic view of psychology, prioritizing real-world applications over abstract analysis.