14-1 Becker - A philosopher's view of near-death research

Journal of Near-Death Studies, volume 14, issue 1
A Philosopher's View of Near-Death Research
Becker, C. B.
This article summarizes some trends and issues raised by a review of recent articles in the Journal of Near-Death Studies. It points to a need for clarity on the problems of monism and dualism, on the definitions of near-death experiences (NDEs), on reasoning by analogy, and on hypothesis testing and falsification. While recognizing the superficial similarities between NDEs and a broad range of spiritual experiences, psychotic syndromes, and psychological states, it urges a nonreductionist focus on those issues amenable to recognized research methodologies.