The evidential value of near-death experiences for belief in life after death.
The Journal of near-death studies 2002 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-2002-20-4-p233-258. (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Citations | 30 |
| Key points | Argues that NDE evidence suggests the possibility of life after death but is not yet convincing, though it is persuasive for the individual experiencer. |
Abstract
In this paper, I explore the issue of what evidential value near death experiences (NDEs) offer for belief in life after death. I survey the major positions on this issue, ranging from writers who believe that NDEs already offer convincing evidence for life after death, to physicalists who believe that they offer, at best, a very weak case. I argue that the present NDE evidence does suggest the possibility of life after death; however, such evidence is not yet overpowering or convincing. However, I go on to argue that NDEs do offer persuasive evidence for life after death for the individual who has the NDE. I end by suggesting that further research should be done on the most impressive type of NDE evidence for life after death, veridical perceptions during an NDE.