Volume 8 No 2 (2010)
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Near Death Experiences: A New Algorithmic Approach to Verifying Consciousness Outside the Brain
Valerie Laws and Elaine Perry
Abstract
Quantum mechanics arose to explain 'wobbles' in predicted effects of Newtonian
physics, such as the stability of electron orbitals. Similarly, scientifically verified
phenomena in the field of neuroscience which contradict known theories of brain
function, could give weight and credibility to neuroquantology, stimulating new
research and discovery. The existence of consciousness outside the physical brain,
often recounted anecdotally in various forms, if verified, could be such a
phenomenon. Accounts of ‘Out of Body Experiences’ (OBEs), often incorporating
‘Near Death Experiences’ (NDEs) have accumulated over many years, with believers in
the empirical actuality of the OBE/NDE, and sceptics entrenched. After an overview of
explanations and theories on both sides, with counter‐arguments, we make the case
for a new approach, for identifying verifiable cases, if any. This would allow critical
appraisal of evidence, according to scientific methodology, though with certain
inescapable limitations. Using a specific, much‐cited case, we show how distorted
accounts of NDEs may be used to support supposedly ‘scientific’ arguments
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