Phil White
New
Hi, I'm new so please be gentle....;)
Ian Wardell and I were just discussing this phenomenon -- terminal lucidity -- in the 'introduce yourself' thread, and I thought it worthy of further discussion than we could obviously give it there.
This is one of those unexplained phenomena that could have a physical cause but also may point to chinks in the armor of physicalist explanations for consciousness. Folks near death will occasionally 'rally' and become conscious briefly or show some sign of improved abilities shortly before death. I've seen the phenomenon myself. It is not common by any stretch of the imagination -- most folks in comas never regain consciousness before death.
I would need do a little more digging to see which types of patients show this change since I haven't seen it in years (my practice is now entirely outpatient based, thank goodness) and can't recall particulars the few times I have witnessed it. Perhaps Linda (whom I'm very happy to see is in this forum) could chime in with examples of her own.
I can generate at least one theory how this is possible on a physicalist account but would be very happy to hear from others what you think.
If any are interested, here is a paper outlining several cases: http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/cl...ily-kelly-pdfs/OTH25terminal lucidity-AGG.pdf
Ian Wardell and I were just discussing this phenomenon -- terminal lucidity -- in the 'introduce yourself' thread, and I thought it worthy of further discussion than we could obviously give it there.
This is one of those unexplained phenomena that could have a physical cause but also may point to chinks in the armor of physicalist explanations for consciousness. Folks near death will occasionally 'rally' and become conscious briefly or show some sign of improved abilities shortly before death. I've seen the phenomenon myself. It is not common by any stretch of the imagination -- most folks in comas never regain consciousness before death.
I would need do a little more digging to see which types of patients show this change since I haven't seen it in years (my practice is now entirely outpatient based, thank goodness) and can't recall particulars the few times I have witnessed it. Perhaps Linda (whom I'm very happy to see is in this forum) could chime in with examples of her own.
I can generate at least one theory how this is possible on a physicalist account but would be very happy to hear from others what you think.
If any are interested, here is a paper outlining several cases: http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/cl...ily-kelly-pdfs/OTH25terminal lucidity-AGG.pdf
Last edited: