Book | Chapter
Neuroscience and spirituality – findings and consequences
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.