The Results of Modern Scientific Researches of Near-Death Experience: Is It Time to Abandon Materialism?

Abstract

Near-death experience (NDE) is a specific altered state of consciousness experienced at the moment of brush with death. It's theoretical explanation remains a discussion area in psychology, and the search for philosophical foundations for such theories continues. In recent years, Western psychologists began to choose objective idealism as such foundations. As a justification for this choice, a number of empirical data which seem to cannot be explained from materialistic positions are presented: 1) “facts” of suddenly appeared vision during out-of-body experience and/or NDE in the blind from birth; 2) the experience of the NDE at the time of the apparent complete cessation of brain function; 3) cases of adequate perception of the outside world during out-of-body experience when it is impossible to see (due to blindness or closed eyes); 4) cases of perception during out-of-body experience from the position under the ceiling of such details environment that can not be seen from the the position of the physical body. This article analyzes and verifies these empirical data and, if confirmed, provides a scientific and materialistic explanation.