Description
The phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) has fascinated humanity for centuries but remains famously difficult to define and study. This book presents a unique source, integrating historical, clinical, psychological, and neuroscientific approaches toward a modern scientific understanding of NDEs. Featuring exciting clinical and experimental details about processes in dying brains, it examines the physiological and psychological underpinnings of this extraordinary phenomenon. Chapters offer science-based accounts of NDEs as a natural part of the human condition informed by our biology and the remarkable capacities of the brain. By proposing that the origin of NDEs can be found in the physiology-dependent mental processes of the experiencer as expressed in altered states of consciousness, this book provides up-to-date insights for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and philosophers alike.
Table of Contents
General introduction; Part I. Consciousness: 1.1 A short historical survey illuminating the field before modern neuroscience; 1.2 Consciousness in the light of recent philosophy and science; 1.3 Neuroscience models of the nature of consciousness; 1.4 Consciousness in medicine; 1.5 Conclusions of Part I; Part II. Near-death Experiences: 2.1 History of the term near-death experience; 2.2 A short historical review on observations of NDE- like phenomena; 2.3 Deathbed phenomena – clarification of terms; 2.4 General incidence of NDEs; 2.5 Childhood and near-death experiences; 2.6 After-effects of NDEs in the affected persons and in NDE researchers; 2.7 Control of claims on extraordinary experiences; 2.8 Paranormal explanations of NDE-like perceptions; 2.9 Experimental observations that mimic NDE phenomenology; 2.10 Memories; 2.11 Near-death experiences in altered states of consciousness (ASCs) – a synthesis; 2.12 Evaluation of brain-based explanations for NDEs ;2.13 Summary and conclusions of Part II; General Review and Conclusions; Epilogue.
