[ad. L. ēject-um, neut. of ējectus thrown out; see next. The term was coined by Prof. Clifford on analogy of subject, object.]
Something (viz. a sensation or mental state other than our own) that is neither an actual nor a conceivable object of our consciousness, but which is inferred to be a real existence analogous in kind to our own sensations or mental states.
1878. Clifford, Things-in-thems., Lect. & Ess. (1886), 275. I propose … to call these inferred existences ejects, things thrown out of my consciousness, to distinguish them from objects, things presented in my consciousness, phenomena.
1883. Romanes, Ment. Evol. Anim., i. 22. The evidence derived from ejects is practically regarded as good in the case of mental organizations inferred to be closely analogous to our own. Ibid. (1884), in Nature, XXIX. No. 747. 380/1. Why am I not entitled to a similar view when the eject of my contemplation is the mind of a dog?
1885. C. L. Morgan, Springs of Conduct, III. ii. 267. My neighbour’s mind, feelings, emotions are ejects to me; they can never be objects.
