Hubris. This is my favourite word at the moment. The idea of “super-confident” definitive statements made by “those who know better” than the rest of us with regards to altered-states of consciousness. Here is an article sent to me by my friend Andrew Böber from today’s Daily Mail. The headline is quite precise; no question mark at the end note, so this is ABSOLUTE FACT! The title of the article Qin Xie states it super-confident terms “Scientist uncover the TRUTH behind near-death experiences.” Note that “truth” is in capitals so there is no doubt that NDE’s have been EXPLAINED.
The explanation is stunningly original, an explanation that has NEVER been used before …. guess what guys: The NDE is an HALLUCINATION. Well, there you go, all sorted.
But wait a minute ….. what EXACTLY does this explain?
Well, nothing really, the super-intelligent REAL scientist in question has simply given the NDE a nice label …. it is an “hallucination.” But this explains NOTHING.
In my forthcoming book I will be exposing this game of giving labels to things and pretending that the label is an explanation when it is nothing of the sort. My logic is simple …. and I apply this by asking a further question and this is , what exactly is an hallucination? Guess what, our scientists haven’t got a clue! They have absolutely no idea why certain sets of neurological conditions such as hypoxia bring about hallucinations, and even less of what is perceiving these “hallucinations.” By application of the same logic it can be argued that everyday perception of “consensual reality” is also an “hallucination” in that it is brain-generated in EXACTLY the same way that “hallucinations” are.
So when you encounter those who swear by such articles and use these to argue that NDEs and OBE’s have now been explained ask them the next question as to what, exactly, are hallucinations?…
For full supporting material, taken from the latest research in cognitive science, neurology and neurochemistry, check out my new book when it is published in September (“Opening The Doors of Perception”) …. it will give you the perfect antidote to these self-regarding know-it-alls who use labels as explanations. The article can be found here: Daily Mail: NDE’s “explained”!.
You know, one day The Daily Mail (and other national newspapers) may wake up to what I am writing about and seek out my opinion on such matters ….. good lord, can you see that flying pig?
