Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of near-deathexperiences. Specifically, the paper discusses the reality of near-deathexperiences and whether they exist or not. The paper explores how stories about near-deathexperiences (NDE) have become almost commonplace in our modern culture. The paper further examines how many studies into this phenomenon have occurred and many of them explain near-deathexperiences as the body's reaction to tremendous stress. The paper discusses how there is much debate about whether they actually exist, concluding that whether they exist or not, to those experiencing NDEs, they are very real.
From the Paper "The first real written study of near-death experiences occurred in 1926 by Englishman Sir William Barrett. He compiled many experiences he and his wife (both doctors) had seen with patients during their last moments of life. Two researchers note, "Barrett found that in their visions the dying see dead persons who have come to take them away to a heavenly abode. He also found that such visions often occur when the mind of the patient is clear and rational, and that they sometimes portray what the dying do not expect" (Osis & Haraldsson, 1997, p. 18)."
Tags: self-image, bright, light, memory, Ron, Siegel, simulate, Higher, Being
Abstract This paper discusses near deathexperiences, providing some historical background and literature on the subject, particularly from S. Blackmore who analyzed some of the most famous and ancient near death stories, many of which are fictional but according to the author still relevant to the discussion, as they do tend to follow a particular pattern.
Outline:
NDI Definition
Historical Perspectives
Studies/Research/Literature Review
Difficulties & Limitations of Conducting NDE studies; Reliability & Validity Medical Theories (Biological/Physiological Causes)
Psychological Theories (Psychodynamics, Jung, Parapsychology, Object-Relations etc.
Alternative Explanations ("Scientific Naysayers" - Atwater)
Near-Death Look-a-Likes (e.g., NDE vs. MPD;
Various Types of Experiences (Children vs. Adults) - based on case studies
Demographic, Cross-Cultural (e.g., African American, Mapuche, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Native American, Australia, Euro-American, etc.), and Religious Factors
Meanings & Aftereffects (Psychological & Physiological)
Mental Health Professionals' Attitudes and Knowledge
Commonly reported patient expectations of mental health clinicians
Clinical Dilemma
Clinical Implications & Interventions
From the Paper "From this inquiry has come analysis of historical literature, regarding near death stories. Blackmore in 1993 offers a brief but effective analysis of some of the most famous and ancient of near death stories, many of which are fictional but according to the author still relevant to the discussion, as they do tend to follow a particular pattern, that is significantly influenced by context and theology but that is also patterned much like the Moody timeline. Blackmore's first example is Plato's famous story of return from death found in the Republic. (Blackmore, 1993, p. 8)"
Abstract The research aims to persuade skeptics of the validity of the near-deathexperience (NDE), both as a phenomenon distinct from out-of-body experience (OBE) and as a genuine vision of the afterlife. It discusses how skeptics refuse to accept NDEs due to the fact that they have difficulty in accepting the paranormal in the first place. Following the attempt to persuade skeptics that NDEs are a distinct phenomenon, unrelated to either dying brain hallucinations or OBEs, the research attempts to sway them towards the belief that NDEs are nothing short of visions of the afterlife and invaluable proof of life beyond death.
From the Paper "In an era where moon landings and space exploration have become common activities, exploration into that which lies beyond death appear impossible. Muslims, Christians and Jews believe that they know the answer which is given to them in their holy books, and argue that the Day of Judgment lies beyond death, followed by an eternity in Heaven or Hell. Atheists argue that death is final and that nothing lies beyond it. Hindus and Buddhists believe in a never-ending circle of reincarnation, whereby death is perceived as the first step towards rebirth in a different form. Whatever the answer that people may have, and the degree of conviction that they hold in their specific theory to what lies beyond death, the fact remains that we simply do not have the answer. Certainly, the Bible, the Torah and the Koran do inform us to some degree of the nature of life beyond death but these accounts are open to interpretation as none can claim to truly and fully comprehend the word of God. Therefore, even those of us who believe in life after death and the Day of Judgment, have countless questions such as whether or not we are conscious in death, or if we feel fear, meet dead relatives and enter into this different zone, or even if we are aware of the living. Basically, there are opinions rather than clear-cut answers to these questions as, despite the great strides that mankind has made in scientific and technological development, and their success in answering many of the mysteries of life, science and technology have utterly failed in providing clear evidence of what lies beyond death."
Abstract A look at the phenomenon of near-deathexperiences (NDEs) and how they are perceived by the scientific community, with arguments for and against scientific explanations of such occurences.
From the Paper "The scientific aspects surrounding the near-death experience are more obscure than the popular accounts and non-substantial definitions of them. Researcher Charles T. Tart says that science can actually help to further our knowledge of the NDE if more people would attempt to embrace the application of scientific ideas in studying its occurrence. He says: ??.many people react negatively to the idea of scientific investigation of NDEs, but genuine science can contribute a great deal to understanding NDEs and helping experiencers integrate their experiences with everyday life?(Tart, 1997). The factors surrounding the near-death experience have been researched by a number of scientists, and a number of facts, similarities, and correlations have been discovered surrounding this very difficult, largely undocumented phenomena. "
Abstract An overview of medical experiments conducted on prisoners in the camps by Nazi doctors. The writer looks at the main 'doctors' who were responsible for these experiments and includes personal accounts by some people who were lucky enough to survive. The paper concentrates on the types of medical experiments performed and the reasons why these were made possible, due to the way the concentration camps functioned.
From the Paper "World War II was a period in which millions of atrocities were committed and millions of people were killed. Under the eye of the war, Hitler was able to perpetuate the massive killing of millions of people; the majority of them were Jewish, some others were gypsies, prisoners of war, political prisoners, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses and more. The holocaust, as we called it today, was a massive genocide that changed the course of the world; the atrocity, and sadistic murders committed against innocent people marked forever the history of humankind. Hitler as the head of the Nazi Party was with no doubt the guiltiest person in this crime; however, camps were run by SS guards and SA guards, the perpetrators of the killing that were guilty as well. The concentration camps were indisputably, killing factories whether it was a death camp or not, where massive numbers of death and murders were occurring daily. The concentration camps were death factories due to the exploitation, starvation, the massive killing in gas chamber in some camps, and of course due to Medical Experiments."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at the way Kafka's "Metamorphosis" - about a man who turns into a bug - represents the movement toward death and the possibility of redemption. Using the story as an example, the writer of this paper illustrates the areas where the idea of redemption are involved.
From the Paper "Often times in the world when one has a near death experience they describe recognizing others but not being recognized. This was also the case in the story when Gregor the man was suddenly Gregor the bug(Kafka, 1990). He recognized his family but at first they did not recognize him as anything other than a dirty bug. The movement toward death is morphed as a stick his father picks up when his mother discovers the bug in her presence attacks him. This movement toward death is painful indeed and it is something that is attempted more than once in the story."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that while it's impossible to prove whether life after death in fact exists, one must be willing to consider the speculative information that's available. This paper explores the scientific, religious and spiritual aspects as to what occurs after death. The writer examines reported cases of near-deathexperiences, as well as reincarnation, in which individuals remember previous lives. The majority of reported incidents regarding reincarnation have occurred in children in South Asia, where Hindu and Buddhist thought popularizes the concept of reincarnation. This paper also discusses the issue of the "light" which many claim to have seen immediately following a near-deathexperience. This paper examines expert scientific research which supplies reasonable explanations into near-deathexperiences. This paper also details the various types of out of body experiences which include: Seeing a dark tunnel, feelings of peace and quiet as well as meeting others who have previously passed away.
From the Paper "Although psychics, parapsychologists and others have long known about the out-of-body experience, frequently called "separation",1 the greater scientific community has not accepted it as a normal phenomenon occurring under even bizarre conditions, nor is the average person generally familiar with it. However, it seems to be the key to unraveling the mystery about what happens after death. In other words, if we can prove that some aspect of the self, soul, or consciousness can leave the body under certain circumstances, the question arises: where does it go if not into the next dimension - notably the spirit world. A separation is completely unlike daydreaming, dreaming, or sleep. It is also unlike hallucinating, undergoing a trance, or the hypnotic state."
Tags: science, spirituality, medical, religion, buddhism, hindu
Abstract This paper relates that Renaissance painters expressed a much more developed sense of emotion in their art that was due to the hardships that were created by the Black Death. The paper focuses on Andrea Mantegna's "Lamentation Over the Dead Christ" (c. 1490), Pieter Brueghel's "The Triumph of Death" (c. 1562) and Hieronymus Bosch's "The Garden of Delights" (c. 1480) and, through an analysis of these works, shows how Renaissance artists drew from emerging artistic techniques as well as the terrible experiences of the Black Death to create art that was able to evoke emotions effectively.
From the Paper "During the Renaissance, the experience of the Black Death had made an indelible mark upon societies across Europe. After all, when it first swept across the continent in the fourteenth century, it killed between a third and two thirds of the entire population. One of the results of this was that death became a central theme in everyday life. People were constantly surrounded by the fact that any day they could fall ill and die a quick and painful death. The effects of this constant living with death can be seen in the changes in the kind of art that was produced during this period. Whereas paintings from the medieval period presented their subjects in a stiff and artificial style, Renaissance painters strove to express the profound pathos of their lives through a much more realistic style."
Tags: realism, emotions, human, experience, Europe
Abstract This paper discusses whether there is a "better death" when someone is ailing and expected to pass away versus the experience mourners engage in when one passes away in a tragic accident such as those who passed in the 9/11 attacks on America. The author postulates that there is, truly, no "better" death just differing ways of accepting it. The paper examines the culture of death in society through discussions of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death as related in religion and literature.
From the Paper "Death is a topic not often discussed and probably one of the most feared aspects of life, indeed, is the end of life. As Shakespeare wrote, "Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come" (Julius Caesar). Death constitutes an end and, at that, one which is mysterious in that no one is precisely certain what happens after death; is there a heaven and hell as the Judeo Christian system relates; is reincarnation a possibility - what happens? But, beyond this fear of the unknown, is the unmatched loss that death leaves in its wake. Throughout the course of this paper examines the culture of death in society through discussion of what, if anything, constitutes the "better" death."
Abstract This paper argues that the death penalty does nothing to deter crime, as we are commonly led to believe, that it is an inhumane way to die and often botched in the process and is a human experience of emotional justice that is served up by good old fashioned revenge. It discusses the various methods of execution (hanging, firing squad, lethal gas, electrocution and finally lethal injection), how each are administered and discusses their pros and cons. It examines the legal stance by most States on the death penalty as well as some famous cases.
From the Paper "The most common argument against the death penalty has been the argument of deterrence. That is to say if we as a society continue to execute our most precarious criminals, the effect we will have on those who might commit capital crimes in the future will be logical and rational thoughts of reconsideration and re-evaluation based on what may happen to them as a consequence of their actions. According to many who have studied the deterrent effects of the death penalty the following three points have been raised. First, if a punishment is to be considered an actual deterrent, it must be administered in a consistent and punctual manner."
A review of two short stories that deal with the theme of death: "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce and "Greasy Lake" by T. Coraghessen.
Abstract This paper compares how the characters in two different short stories face the experience of death. The stories are "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce and "Greasy Lake" by T. Coraghessen. This paper shows how both characters experienced time distortion and a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings when they were in the grip of fear and confronted with death.
From the Paper "We often hear stories of people who have near death experiences and say that their "lives flashed before their eyes", or that "everything seemed like it was happening in slow motion". In the two short stories, the reader gets a real sense of what that feels like. "Greasy Lake", is a contemporary story about a group of young men who are bored and out drinking at the lake on evening become involved in a fight that escalates out of control and sets off a chain of events that will change the characters lives forever. In "Greasy Lake", when the unnamed main character thinks that he may have killed someone, time seems to go in slow motion."
Tags: near-death, dying, fear, time, distortion, awareness
Abstract This paper discusses how, between the years 1932 and 1972, the U.S. public Health Service (PHS) conducted an experiment on 399 black men in the late stages of syphilis in which the men did not receive treatment, were not told of the experiment, or even that they had the disease. The paper discusses how this experiment violated the ethical standards regarding human subjects in research even during that time period and how it can be considered one of the most racist, inhumane, and unethical human experiments ever conducted in the United States.
Outline:
Ethics
Position
Conclusion
From the Paper "This experiment violated the ethical standards regarding human subjects in research even during that time period. In 1943, less than 10 years after the study began The Henderson Act was passed that required medical treatment to humans for venereal diseases, but the experimenters continued to not tell their clients that they had syphilis or that their was a cure. At the start of the study, there was no proven treatment for syphilis. But even after penicillin became a standard cure for the disease in 1947, the medicine was withheld from the men because the Tuskegee scientists wanted to continue to study how the disease spreads and kills (NPR, 2002). Even at the start of the experiment many ethical issues could have been brought up by the researchers such as why human lives were being sacrificed when no empirical evidence about syphilis was being found. The researchers had no reason to continue the study for forty years."
Abstract This paper analyzes Shakespeare's play, "Romeo and Juliet" and examines its central themes. The author looks at the themes of love and death with reference to determination, passion, madness and uncertainty that the characters experience.
From the Paper "Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare's most well know plays. The infamous love story between the two main characters is what draws most people to the play. Yet from such a brilliant author, one must look deeper to find greater issues hidden in the lines of this play. Although Shakespeare never specifically states his thoughts, one can find conclusive evidence to support the idea that love is equated with death in this play. Death is defined as destruction; lacking warmth, interest, or brightness; without feeling, motion, or power. On the other hand, love is defined as a strong affection or liking for someone; passionate affection. With such different definitions, it takes the genius of Shakespeare to draw these two phenomena's together."
Abstract This paper compares the protagonists' experiences of transformation as seen in "The Death of Ivan Ilyitch" and "Metamorphosis." Although the paper shows contrasting plot elements of the two works, the main characters' self-growth is similar. The reviewer describes that a key similarity between these two stories is that both characters find their old image of themselves is incorrect. The paper concludes that both characters realign their self-image with the opposite effect on their emotional world.
From the Paper " One of the key similarities between these two stories is that both characters find that their old image of themselves is incorrect. Ivan finds that the way he saw himself was incorrect. Gregor finds that his self image is accurate. However, his image of how others view him is changed. Gregor thought that he was an important part of the family and that they appreciated his contributions. However, he found that when he became a burden to them and an embarrassment, they abandoned him. Their love for them was not unconditional, but was dependent on what he contributed to the family and gave them. "
Abstract This paper explores the existence of life after death. One of the primary sources is Raymond Moody's book "Life after Life", which describes people who have Near DeathExperiences (NDE's) and have survived to tell about them. The author relates that, for centuries, many individuals have experienced spiritual events throughout their lives. The paper relates that, for most religious people, including the author, the Bible and other scriptures are the final word on what they believe.
From the Paper "Moody became known as the de facto expert on NDE's and his subsequent writings on the subject were greatly anticipated. One of his next books seemed to totally denigrate his earlier efforts and musings on life after life. One critic wrote, "By reducing the NDEs experience to a big joke, Moody in effect retracts the significance of the book that made him wealthy and gets the last laugh on the reader who buys his latest book expecting to see a serious philosophical analysis of NDEs." Does this mean that Moody completely changed his own viewpoint on life after death?'
Tags: righteous tunnels joyful children, right temporal lobe
