Thaler, S. L. (1995). Death of a Gedanken creature. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 149-466.

Abstract: This paper describes a thought experiment in which a hypothetical creature created by a computer program inhabits a simple universe consisting of itself, food, and predators. As this creature “dies” it “internally” experiences these environmental features independent of their actual presence. More evolved hypothetical creatures generate novel forms of “inner” experience as they “die.” Applying these results to humans suggests an “internal” genesis of near-death experiences.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs

Thaler, S. L. (1996). The death dream and near-death Darwinism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 25-40.

Abstract: Based upon very repeatable computer simulations of dying neural networks, the phenomena of both near-death experiences (NDEs) and a virtual afterlife are plausible and can be expected to occur in traumatized neurobiological systems. I speculate that: (1) the sociological impact of this finding is consistent with the teachings of many of the world’s major religions and forms the basis of a credible model of both salvation and damnation; (2) both NDEs and the perceived afterlife may serve to advance the species and self-organizing systems (life) in general; and (3) further, in a fierce competition to attain the most comfortable afterlife illusion, individuals strive to convince themselves that they are more deserving of redemption than others. Within this struggle are born the sociological tools of “good” and “evil.”

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Evolution and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs

Gunn, S. C. (1998). Can artificial intelligence have a near-death experience? A critical look at the ultimate text. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 5-19.

Abstract: Since a computer model begins as an instance of writing, that is, a “text,” it is appropriate to examine this kind of discourse through the perspective of literary criticism. I examine Stephen Thaler’s (1995) “intelligent” computer program and conclude that the Gedanken creatures are constructed upon a structuralist theory of the text, which cannot support a complete simulation of human intelligence or experience.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs

Thaler, S. L. (1998). The emerging intelligence and its critical look at us. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 21-29.

Abstract: In response to Susan Gunn’s editorial, I offer a less comforting but more utilitarian perspective on the life and death of artificial consciousness. Admittedly an unpopular view, it suggests that concurrence with Gunn’s message represents the seeds of our own destruction, as an emerging synthetic intelligence begins to extinguish us.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs