Introduction.- Is there historical evidence of near-death experiences or do we merely see what we want to see? -- Problems and Contradictions -- Medical theories -- Opportunities and boundaries of heuristic methods -- Does a diathesis-stress model of near-death experiences work? -- Between the poles of science and religion -- Important theses.- Explanations of scientific terms.

The expression "Near-Death Experience" is associated in the popular understanding with access to knowledge about our transition between the states of life and death. But how should such experiences be interpreted? Are they verifiable with scientific methods? If so, how can they be explained? Attempting to relate matters of scientific knowledge to subjective experience and the realm of belief is a difficult balancing act, and has led to a variety of approaches to the topic. This work scrutinizes the diverse views, and also myths, about near-death experiences and describes them from a scientific standpoint. Situated at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology,  philosophy, and religious studies, this book will appeal to a broad audience of both scientists and general readers.