Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

190181

Neuroscience and spirituality – findings and consequences

Mario Beauregard

pp. 57-73

Abstract

In this chapter we first define religious, spiritual and mystical experiences (RSMEs). We then review clinical data about patients with epilepsy suggesting a role for the temporal lobe and the limbic system in RSMEs. The possibility of experimentally inducing such experiences by stimulating the temporal lobe with weak electromagnetic currents is examined. The limbic-marker hypothesis is also presented. The findings of brain imaging studies of RSMEs carried out during the last decade are then examined. Next, these findings and the phenomenology of RSMEs in regard to the mind-brain problem are discussed. Finally, we terminate the chapter with a few concluding remarks.

Publication details

Published in:

Walach Harald, Schmidt Stefan, Jonas Wayne B. (2011) Neuroscience, consciousness and spirituality. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 57-73

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2079-4_4

Full citation:

Beauregard Mario (2011) „Neuroscience and spirituality – findings and consequences“, In: H. Walach, S. Schmidt & W. B. Jonas (eds.), Neuroscience, consciousness and spirituality, Dordrecht, Springer, 57–73.