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Chapter 2.11 - NDEs in Altered States of Consciousness

A Synthesis

from Part II - Near-Death Experiences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 August 2025

Raymond Romand
Affiliation:
University of Strasbourg
Günter Ehret
Affiliation:
University of Ulm
Steven Laureys
Affiliation:
Liège University, Belgium
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Summary

It is reasonable and scientifically appropriate to search for neural correlates of near-death experiences (including out-of-body experiences, OBEs) in the context of altered states of consciousness (ASCs). Our survey of the literature showed direct connections from NDEs via ASCs to brain mechanisms. Dualistic and paranormal approaches, subjective belief, and approaches via quantum physics appear either scientifically inadequate or premature to provide explanations for the NDE/OBE phenomena.

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