When is an Out-of-Body Experience (Not) an Out-of-Body Experience? Reflections about Out-of-Body Phenomena in Neuroscientific Research
Journal of Cognition and Culture March 17, 2015 DOI: 10.1163/15685373-12342138 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDespite growing interest from cognitive and neuroscientists, claims that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are now well understood are premature. The article argues that definitional and conceptual problems still plague the field. Real progress will require recognizing the full spectrum of out-of-body phenomena (OBP) and attending to the neurocultural complexity of distinct instances of OBEs, rather than assuming a single mechanism or explanation.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that progress in understanding out-of-body experiences requires acknowledging definitional problems and the neurocultural complexity of distinct instances of out-of-body phenomena. |
Abstract
In recent years there has been an increased interest in the study of out-of-body experiences (obes) by cognitive and neuro-scientists. Nowadays, far-reaching claims regarding the uncovering of the neural mechanisms and pathways, as well as the mystery ofobes in the anthropological and historical record are on offer. In this article the implicit assumption thatobes are much better understood and that real progress has been made are questioned on the basis of the definitional and conceptual problems that still haunt this area of research. It is suggested that progress will only be registered once the spectrum of out-of-body phenomena (obp) is recognized and attention is paid to the neurocultural complexity of distinct instances ofobes.