The Advent of Parapsychology and the Figuration of “Out-of-the-Body Experiences” (1880–1930)
Oxford Scholarship Online September 20, 2018 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190888848.003.0008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
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| Key points | The chapter argues that the concept of the "out-of-the-body experience" took shape within spiritualist and parapsychological traditions, with psychical researchers such as Myers and James playing a significant role. It contends that the "filter" or "transmission" theory of the brain developed in close interaction with near-death phenomena, especially the "panoramic life review," and remains favored by recent near-death-experience proponents such as Moody. |
Abstract
This chapter outlines how the term “out-of-the-body experience” emerged in spiritualist and parapsychological literature. As is shown, “psychical researchers” such as Frederic W. Myers and William James made a significant contribution. The chapter also deals with the “filter” theory or “transmission” theory, i.e., the idea of the brain as a means for the inhibition of consciousness. This theory, as is shown, has been developed in close interaction with phenomena “near death”—in particular, the “panoramic life review.” The filter theory, discussed in subsequent chapters 2.6. and 2.7, too, is still favored by many recent protagonists of near-death experiences (e.g., Moody). Finally, the chapter turns to the increase of autoscopic out-of-body experiences, discussed as a phenomenon attesting a changing relationship of the disembodied consciousness toward its own body.