Surprise - and Discovery? - in the Near-Death Experience
University of North Texas Digital Library (University of North Texas) January 1, 1997 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-1997-15-4-p259-278 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSurprise and puzzlement expressed in near-death experience (NDE) accounts may indicate genuine discovery of novel features of reality, not mere subjective invention. The article argues that surprise typically arises during the cognition-reality interplay that enables learning. If some NDE surprises represent discoveries in a nonsubjective sense, then that cognition-reality interplay can persist near death, suggesting that self and reality include a nonmaterial realm.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 25 |
| Key finding | Surprise in NDE accounts may reflect genuine discovery of a nonmaterial realm, indicating that cognition-reality interplay continues near death. |
Abstract
Article exploring expressions of surprise and puzzlement that lend a ring of authenticity to self-reports of near-death experiences (NDEs). Surprise typically indicates the discovery of novel features of reality during the cognition-reality interplay that makes learning possible. If at least some NDE surprises are discoveries in a nonsubjective sense, then that cognition-reality interplay can continue during moments near death as subject learn that self and reality must be understood to include a nonmaterial realm.