Body, Soul and Personal Identity. Flashcards
How does a materialistic view point differ from a dualistic view point?
A materialistic view point does not accept that there is any separate part of the body called the “soul” where as a dualistic view point sees a human as having 2 distinct parts that make up a human being body and mind/soul.
Give 1 Christian Quote and 1 Hindu belief that support the existence of the soul.
Christian: Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall live even though he dies.”
Hindu: Believes in the reincarnation of the Atman (soul). “The body will decay but the mind is immortal”.
Give various view points on how the soul is viewed.
- “The real you”: Plato.
- “A category mistake”: Gilbert Ryle.
- An illusion created by the hardware of the brain.
- “The soul is a myth, created by humans who cannot accept injustice”- Dawkins.
Define Near Death Experience
Out of body experience for someone who has been declared dead and have subsequently been resuscitated.
What do those who have had NDE’s experience?
They experience a clear recollection of event and differs from an experience when on drugs.
How do NDE’s differ from those induced by drugs?
Experiences induced by drugs may be more random and less personal, they also may not be remembered as clearly.
How can a NDE impact on someone’s life positively?
After an NDE the person may believe that their love for others is the most important thing in the world, becoming less selfish, less materialistic, less competitive etc…this is known as a trans-formative experience.
How do the impacts of a Positive NDE differ from a Negative NDE?
A positive NDE may mean that the individual no longer fears death, whereas a negative NDE may result in the person wishing to change their ways in order to avoid eternal damnation for e.g.
What features of NDE do both Greyson and Moody share?
- Life review.
- Point of no return.
- Bright light.
- Feeling at peace.
- Out of body experience.
- Feelings of joy and positivity.
What does Atwater’s 1st type “Initial” Experience” refer to?
1) Initial Experience: sometimes referred to as the “non-experience” (an awakening). Can involve loving nothingness, an alive darkness, a friendly voice, a brief out of body experience, or a manifestation of some type.
Often this becomes the seed experience or an introduction to other ways of perceiving and recognizing re
What type of person would experience an “Initial” NDE?
Initial NDE’s are likely to be experienced by those who seem to need the least amount of evidence for proof of survival/ who need the least amount of shakeup in their life.
What does Atwater’s 2nd type “Unpleasant/Hellish Experience refer to?
Sometimes referred to as “distressing”. It is an encounter with a threatening void, a stark limbo, hellish purgatory, or scenes of startling and unexpected indifference (e.g. being shunned), even haunting’s from one’s past may be present.
Who would be likely to experience an unpleasant or hellish NDE?
Those with deeply suppressed or repressed guilt, fear, and anger, and/or those who are expecting some for of punishment or discomfort after death.
What does Atwater’s 3rd type of NDE “Pleasant/Heaven-like experience” refer to?
Sometimes referred to as “Radiant”. Reunions with those who have died previously, reassuring religious figures or light beings, validation that life counts, affirming and inspiring dialogue.
Who usually experiences “Pleasant/Heaven like experiences”?
Thos who need to know that they are loved and how important life is, how every effort has a purpose in the overall scheme of things.
What does Atwater’s 4th type “Transcendent Experience” refer to?
Exposure to otherworldly dimensions and scenes beyond the individual’s frame of reference; sometimes includes revelations of greater truths. Usually does not include life reviews or personal content and collective previews are common.
What type of person is typically likely to have a “Transcendent Experience”?
Individuals who are ready for a “mind stretching” challenge and individuals who are more art to use the truths that are revealed to them.
State Greyson’s point of view on why NDE’s are evidence of survival beyond death.
- You leave your physical body, supporting the idea of spiritual resurrection at death or continuation of consciousness.
- Deceased/Religious figures e.g. some relatives e.g. Colton Brown’s experience, they couldn’t have any knowledge of, because they had never met.
How does Pam Reynold’s NDE support the idea of survival after death?
- Pam Reynold’s was on drugs that shut down the metabolism of the brain and therefore she had no thoughts, no brain waves, no blood or circulation.
- Yet Pam Reynold’s accurately recalled her operation and believes her mind continued on.
