Near Death Experiences

Statement

The fact that many people from all cultures world-wide have had this experience is accepted. The problem lies in the interpretation of the experience. Critically examining the material, one must remember that the people did not fully die, nut were "near death" as the title states. They have not seen beyond the grave. More critical scientific control is needed to make certain the reports are valid and not being enlarged upon. Possible explanations of the NDE include the following: in clinical death the brain produces various chemicals and hormones to give the euphoric sensations described. The same experience is had by human beings in other life events e.g. in mystical prayer or under psychedelic drugs. "False Sight" caused by the discharge of optical neurons may be accountable for the bright light seen. The experience may be due to oxygen deprivation or similar cause that has a basis in the nature and make-up of the human brain. So, while the NDE experience may be real, the cause and interpretation of it is open to much more than simply saying we have proof here of an after-life.

Sources

  1. near-death experience (NDE) - Skeptic's Dictionary
  2. Alcock, James. (1981). Psychology and NDE.
  3. Frazier, Kendrick (ed.). Paranormal Borderlands of Science, Buffalo, New York: Prometheus Books.
  4. Badham, Paul. (1980). "Death-Bed Vision". Theology 83.
  5. Blackmore, Susan. (1982). Beyond the Body: An Investigation of Out-of-Body Experiences. London.
  6. Blackmore, Susan, Dying to Live: Near Death Experiences (Buffalo: Prometheus, 1993)

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