History, Controversy, and Ethical Implications in the Field of Near-Death Studies 

This presentation briefly begins with an introduction to the entire 2006 IANDS conference, laying out what will be covered in the following days. With the introduction of Dr. Bruce Greyson from the University of Virginia, the presentation moves into the heart of the content. Dr. Greyson summarizes major developments in the first 30 years of near-death studies, including a discussion of pioneers in the field, websites and publications. He reviews research papers and books that drew on the accounts of 2,500 near-death experiencers, and concludes by defining and contrasting retrospective versus prospective studies - and how each has affected the field. Dr. Jan Holden from the University of North Texas continues with an analysis of the controversy surrounding this field of research, using Dr. Ken Wilber's Integral Theory to understand why such intense controversy exists. Debbie James, RN, from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center concludes the presentation with an overview of the ethical implications for the care of near-death experiencers. It is recommended that this DVD be purchased if one is obtaining most or all of the DVDs from this conference as it will help to establish the context for the other presentations.