Philosophical Thought

Philosophical Explanation of the Implication of Near-Death Experiences on the Immateriality of the Soul

Document Type : Original Research

Author

H. Karkon Beiraq

Department of Islamic Education and Training, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.58209/jpt.4.4.369
Abstract
This article aims to explain the implication of "near-death experiences" on the immateriality of the soul. After defining the experiences, explaining their components, and answering the problems, it has been argued that these experiences indicate the soul's immateriality (mind). Ideologies such as physicalism, naturalism, and scientism, which have no scientific and philosophical basis, are the reason for denying these experiences by naturalists and attributing them to illusions and chemical changes in the brain. But what is the scientific justification for having very clear perceptions during unconsciousness or clinical death when a person lacks perceptions?! Therefore, if the presuppositions and mental prejudices are discarded in interpreting the experiences, it seems that accepting the immaterial dimension is not so difficult for humans. Near-death experiences also pose a serious challenge to physicalist theories of "consciousness" that must be taken seriously in the philosophy of mind.

Keywords

Near-Death Experiences
Celibacy
Breath
mind
Consciousness
Subjects
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Philosophical Thought
Volume 4, Issue 4 - Serial Number 16
Fall 2024
Autumn 2024
Pages 369-386

  • Receive Date 22 November 2024
  • Accept Date 10 February 2025
  • Publish Date 12 February 2025