Publication date:
16 April 2003Length of book:
352 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersDimensions:
236x155mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780742514713
Do you believe in ghosts? Chances are you're either too willing, or not willing enough, to believe that personal consciousness survives after bodily death. Some underestimate the evidence for life after death, not realizing how impressive the most convincing cases are. Others overestimate it, rejecting alternative explanations too readily. In fact, several non-survivalist explanations—hidden or latent linguistic or artistic talents, extreme memory, even psychic abilities—are as interesting as the hypothesis of survival, and may be more plausible than their critics realize.
Immortal Remains takes a fresh look at some of the most puzzling cases suggesting life after death, and considers how to tell evidence for an afterlife from evidence for exotic things (including psychic things) done by the living. Author Stephen E. Braude, who has done extensive research in parapsychology and dissociation, explores previously ignored issues about dissociation, creativity, linguistic skills, and the nature and limits of human abilities. He concludes that we have some reason, finally, for believing in life after death.
Immortal Remains takes a fresh look at some of the most puzzling cases suggesting life after death, and considers how to tell evidence for an afterlife from evidence for exotic things (including psychic things) done by the living. Author Stephen E. Braude, who has done extensive research in parapsychology and dissociation, explores previously ignored issues about dissociation, creativity, linguistic skills, and the nature and limits of human abilities. He concludes that we have some reason, finally, for believing in life after death.
Braude takes great care to clearly define concepts and summarize the case material in sufficient detail for the educated lay reader to follow his argument. This book does much more than present a case for personal postmodern survival. Immortal Remains not only contains Braude's personal perspective, but also highlights the state of the debate thus far. Even one with just a slight interest in survival research would do well to get acquainted with Braude and the philosophers with whom he puts himself into conversation throughout the book. Finally, he tackles these difficult issues with clear language and suitable wit, making Immortal Remains both a thought-provoking and entertaining read.