Heaven can wait - or down to earth in real time: Near-death experience revisited.
Netherlands heart journal : monthly journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation October 1, 2008 DOI: 10.1007/bf03086179 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractNear-death experiences (NDEs) show both similarities and unique differences across accounts. While some argue similarities prove a supernatural origin, the differences actually support a neurophysiological explanation. A teleological approach is suggested, proposing that NDEs represent a forme fruste of biological hibernation—an incomplete or abortive neuroprotective strategy. This unifying hypothesis aims to clarify the phenomenon by linking it to the body's innate protective mechanisms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Keywords | Hibernation Medical history |
| Key finding | Proposes that near-death experiences can be explained neurophysiologically as a forme fruste of hibernation, rather than as evidence of a supernatural origin. |
Abstract
Near-death experience (NDE) is an intriguing phenomenon that invites more questions than answers. Hitherto emphasis has been laid on apparent similarities in accounts of NDE to prove a supernatural origin while in fact unique differences besides gross similarities support a neurophysiological explanation. A teleological approach is suggested to explain the neuroprotective strategies involved and accordingly a forme fruste of the biological concept of hibernation is put forward as an unifying hypothesis for clarification. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:359-62.).