Book contents
- Near-Death Experiences
- Near-Death Experiences
- Copyright page
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- General Introduction
- Part I Consciousness
- Part II Near-Death Experiences
- Chapter 2.1 History of the Term “Near-Death Experience”
- Chapter 2.2 A Short Historical Review of Observations of NDE-Like Phenomena
- Chapter 2.3 Deathbed Phenomena
- Chapter 2.4 General Incidence of NDEs
- Chapter 2.5 Childhood and NDEs
- Chapter 2.6 Aftereffects of NDEs in Affected Persons and in NDE Researchers
- Chapter 2.7 Control of Claims of Extraordinary Experiences
- Chapter 2.8 Paranormal Explanations of NDE-Like Perceptions
- Chapter 2.9 Experimental Observations That Mimic NDE Phenomenology
- Chapter 2.10 Memories
- Chapter 2.11 NDEs in Altered States of Consciousness
- Chapter 2.12 Evaluation of Brain-Based Explanations for NDEs
- Chapter 2.13 Summary and Conclusions of Part II
- General Review and Conclusions
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
Chapter 2.11 - NDEs in Altered States of Consciousness
A Synthesis
from Part II - Near-Death Experiences
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 August 2025
Edited by
Book contents
- Near-Death Experiences
- Near-Death Experiences
- Copyright page
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- General Introduction
- Part I Consciousness
- Part II Near-Death Experiences
- Chapter 2.1 History of the Term “Near-Death Experience”
- Chapter 2.2 A Short Historical Review of Observations of NDE-Like Phenomena
- Chapter 2.3 Deathbed Phenomena
- Chapter 2.4 General Incidence of NDEs
- Chapter 2.5 Childhood and NDEs
- Chapter 2.6 Aftereffects of NDEs in Affected Persons and in NDE Researchers
- Chapter 2.7 Control of Claims of Extraordinary Experiences
- Chapter 2.8 Paranormal Explanations of NDE-Like Perceptions
- Chapter 2.9 Experimental Observations That Mimic NDE Phenomenology
- Chapter 2.10 Memories
- Chapter 2.11 NDEs in Altered States of Consciousness
- Chapter 2.12 Evaluation of Brain-Based Explanations for NDEs
- Chapter 2.13 Summary and Conclusions of Part II
- General Review and Conclusions
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
Summary
It is reasonable and scientifically appropriate to search for neural correlates of near-death experiences (including out-of-body experiences, OBEs) in the context of altered states of consciousness (ASCs). Our survey of the literature showed direct connections from NDEs via ASCs to brain mechanisms. Dualistic and paranormal approaches, subjective belief, and approaches via quantum physics appear either scientifically inadequate or premature to provide explanations for the NDE/OBE phenomena.
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- Near-Death ExperiencesScientific Perspectives on Stories of Personal Truth, pp. 148 - 152Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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