Overview

The phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) has fascinated humanity for centuries but remains famously difficult to define and study. This book presents a unique source, integrating historical, clinical, psychological, and neuroscientific approaches toward a modern scientific understanding of NDEs. Featuring exciting clinical and experimental details about processes in dying brains, it examines the physiological and psychological underpinnings of this extraordinary phenomenon. Chapters offer science-based accounts of NDEs as a natural part of the human condition informed by our biology and the remarkable capacities of the brain. By proposing that the origin of NDEs can be found in the physiology-dependent mental processes of the experiencer as expressed in altered states of consciousness, this book provides up-to-date insights for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and philosophers alike.

Full Product Details

Author:   Raymond Romand (University of Strasbourg) ,  Günter Ehret (University of Ulm) ,  Steven Laureys (Liège University, Belgium)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
ISBN:  

9781009594387

ISBN 10:   1009594389
Pages:   244
Publication Date:   04 September 2025
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

General introduction; Part I. Consciousness: 1.1 A short historical survey illuminating the field before modern neuroscience; 1.2 Consciousness in the light of recent philosophy and science; 1.3 Neuroscience models of the nature of consciousness; 1.4 Consciousness in medicine; 1.5 Conclusions of Part I; Part II. Near-death Experiences: 2.1 History of the term near-death experience; 2.2 A short historical review on observations of NDE- like phenomena; 2.3 Deathbed phenomena – clarification of terms; 2.4 General incidence of NDEs; 2.5 Childhood and near-death experiences; 2.6 After-effects of NDEs in the affected persons and in NDE researchers; 2.7 Control of claims on extraordinary experiences; 2.8 Paranormal explanations of NDE-like perceptions; 2.9 Experimental observations that mimic NDE phenomenology; 2.10 Memories; 2.11 Near-death experiences in altered states of consciousness (ASCs) – a synthesis; 2.12 Evaluation of brain-based explanations for NDEs ;2.13 Summary and conclusions of Part II; General Review and Conclusions; Epilogue.

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Author Information

Günter Ehret is a Former University Senator, Vice Dean, and Professor emeritus of Neurobiology at the University of Ulm, teaching basic and advanced neurobiology, evolution, sociobiology, and consciousness. His research on brain functions and behaviour has been featured in top international science journals such as Nature and Science. Raymond Romand is a Former Research Associate for Harward Medical School, as well as Visiting Professor at the University of Wisconsin, University of Geneva, University of Konstanz, and Ulm University. He has also served as Director of Research at the University of Strasbourg. Raymond's research has been published in several top science journals, including Science, The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and the Journal of Neuroscience.

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