Philosophy and near-death experience: what can we know?

Edgar Danielyan

This course is a philosophical exploration of Near Death Experiences (NDEs).

NDEs are profound events that some people report after surviving a close brush with death, often involving sensations of detachment from the body, feelings of tranquillity, encountering deceased relatives or, in some cases, what is often described as ‘spiritual beings’.

These experiences are interpreted in various ways across cultures and are increasingly studied across a range of disciplines. This introductory course will focus on the philosophical questions raised by NDEs, particularly what can we know (epistemology) and what is reality (ontology and metaphysics). Some contemporary scientific and medical findings will be introduced to support the philosophical consideration of the topic.

Please note this course is not a counselling or psychological support course and the tutor is unable to provide psychological support or counselling. Near death experience can be an emotive topic, and participants should be aware of the sensitivity of the subject.