The Structure and Function of Near-Death Experiences: An Algorithmic Reincarnation Hypothesis
Journal of Near-Death Studies December 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1023/a:1013010306070 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Key points | Argues that NDEs represent the subjective experience of consciousness transitioning to the 'point of no return,' and that the life review serves to classify behaviors for future lives. Proposes a modified reincarnation doctrine incorporating biological and cultural evolution to explain the selection of NDE attributes. |
Abstract
Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state of consciousness in which a person experiences the last moment of his or her life being turned, in stages, into the state of consciousness experienced as the “point of no return.” The life review this, as is interpreted as a review of the states of consciousness experienced during our lives. Our responses to reviewing our own behaviors while in specific states reinforces and classifies them into those to repeat in future lives and those to avoid. We examine a modification of the traditional doctrine of reincarnation that takes into account biological and cultural evolution. This allows an understanding of how the attributes of NDEs could have undergone selection even though all opportunities for mating have already passed at the time of death.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on near-death experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otherworld Journeys: Accounts of Near-Death Experience in Medieval and Modern Times | 1987 | Historical analysis | |
| Neuroscience and the Near-Death Experience: Roles for the NMSA-PCP receptor, the sigma receptor and the endopsychosins | 1990 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Implications of near-death experiences for a postmaterialist psychology. | 2010 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Near-Death Experience as a Probe to Explore (Disconnected) Consciousness | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Near-death experiences between science and prejudice | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 8
- Distressing Near-Death Experiences Psychiatry February 1, 1992
- A typology of near-death experiences American Journal of Psychiatry August 1, 1985
- Near-Death Experiences in India The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease March 1, 1986
- Culture, Biology, and the Near-Death Experience: A Reappraisal The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease March 1, 1993
- Near-death experiences in Thailand. Journal of Near-Death Studies 2001
and 3 more in the library