The Science of Near-Death Experiences

by John C. Hagan III

What happens to consciousness during the act of dying? The most compelling answers come from people who almost die and later recall events that occurred while lifesaving resuscitation, emergency care, or surgery was performed. These events are now called near-death experiences (NDEs). As medical and surgical skills improve, innovative procedures can bring back patients who have traveled farther on the path to death than at any other time in history. Physicians and healthcare professionals must learn how to appropriately treat patients who report an NDE. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States have experienced an NDE. Hagan and the contributors to this volume engage in evidence-based research on near-death experiences and include physicians who themselves have undergone a near-death experience. This book establishes a new paradigm for NDEs.

Genres: Science, Religion, Philosophy

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2017

Reviews

[Jarrett Vandiver · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

This was a great introduction to the contemporary scientific research concerning near-death experiences (NDEs). My only complaint was that there was a short correspondence between 2 doctors, and I wish the book could have devoted more space to their debate over physicalism (consciousness comes from the brain) and emergentism (consciousness uses the brain but is independent of the brain).

I was personally amazed to see so many citations of the out of body experiences millions of patients have when they experience or almost experience death. These peer reviewed studies include:

-blind people who describe colors and objects they have never seen in their lives

-people experiencing out of body states in which they can report on details in the room that it would have been impossible for them to know while being dead or unconscious

-the vast consensus of people experiencing a “light” in which they are enveloped by a sense of refreshment, light, and peace.

[Ryan McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much exactly what I was looking for when I decided I wanted to read about near-death experiences. My biggest complaint, if you can even call it that, is that I wish some of the essays were longer and more fleshed-out. Most of these chapters serve as relatively brief overviews of NDE phenomena.

For a long time now I’ve felt that my very worst fear is that consciousness persists after death in a sort of sensory-deprivation void where all one can do is think and reflect. Very scary to consider that some people have reported exactly this when recounting what has been termed “distressing near-death experiences.”

[Penney · Rating 3 out of 5]

First few chapters were disappointing. Not enough of the good stuff (actual accounts of NDE) and too much dry scientific discussion and repetitive statistics. But the last three chapters make it all worthwhile. First, you have Eben Alexander's eloquent, unapologetic summary of his own NDE. Even though I read his book, it was still fascinating to read about his experience again. But THEN, in the next chapter, you have this science dude who sets out to debunk Alexander's account and belittle his experience. What a shock! But THEN, in the final chapter, Alexander comes back out, guns blazing, for a searing, highly learned and articulate rebuttal of that guy's attack. Definitely worth the price of admission!

[Milt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine compilation of (with the exception of Kevin Nelson, who seemed simply intent on sniping at the work of others) well researched, well documented, well presented analyses of a fascinating phenomenon. A person interested in learning more about this topic will do well to read this book.

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool and intesting scientific look into near death experiences and other almost tangible points of discussion in regard to spirituality.

[Kim Dallmeier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found the book a bit dry. Really aiming specifically at Skeptics or people looking for some scientific 'proof' of an afterlife and not just 'hallucinations' or whatnots. Don't particularly recommend.. stick with Dr. Moody and Elisabeth K-R.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convincing & Exciting, Objective & Scientific Explanation

This book provides what most of us want: a non-religious, non-biased, and scientifically researched explanation of near death experiences. If you want to believe in an afterlife, but needed proof, this book provides it.

[Xanthi · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting topic however the style of narration just sucked the enjoyment right out of this audiobook. It was read in a rapid, relentless pace that did not give me time to absorb what was being communicated. Listening to it was like speed reading an audiobook. It often would fall into technical medical jargon which was challenging enough, but with the rate it was being narrated, it was hard to take it all in.
From what I could follow, I was left still sitting on the fence in regards to the topic, with a slight leaning towards believing in the experiences described and the theories behind them that do not brush it all off as hallucinations and tricks of a brain in a state of trauma.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of essays. It started off strong with some good refutation of common NDE reductionistic explanations. However, much of the other content is both mundane (if you've read other NDE books there's nothing new) and full of anecdotes. The book could've been better if it was organized by idea rather than by author/essay.

[Yameen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of academic chapters written by scientific and medical personnel on the nde anomaly. A great text for skeptics and the analytically inclined. If you are looking for anecdotal accounts this is not the book for you. If you are curious on the explanations and mechanics behind the nde then this is the book for you

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an outstanding collection of articles on the subject. Highly recommend!

[Amy Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much data/scientific evidence, not enough actual reports of symptoms.

[Jim Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, comprehensive selection of medical and scientific perspectives on the reality of near-death experiences.