Sam Parnia - press conference -Part 1

from http://www.mindbodysymposium.com

Beyond the Mind-Body Problem:
New Paradigms in the Science of Consciousness
September 11th, 2008, United Nations, New York

An International U.N. Symposium Featuring

Mario Beauregard, Ph.D.
Elie During, Ph.D.
Ebrahim Elahi, M.D., FACS
Bruce Greyson, M.D.
Andrew B. Newberg, M.D.
Sam Parnia, M.D., Ph.D.
Christina M. Puchalski, M.D., FACP
Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D.
Henry P. Stapp, Ph.D.
Esther M. Sternberg, M.D.

Over the past decade, an increasing number of physicians and neuroscientists have sought to uncover the complex relationship between mind, brain, and consciousness as they continue to search for a more comprehensive perspective on the "self" and the workings of the human mind. Though much remains to be done, their findings to date have shed a more holistic light on our understanding of the elusive mind-body problem. Join our panel of renowned experts as they explain how new paradigms fueled by the latest scientific research are beginning to fundamentally alter how we perceive and relate to the physical world.

The symposium will also serve as the occasion for the formal launch of The Human Consciousness Project—a multidisciplinary collaboration of international scientists and physicians who have joined forces to research the nature of consciousness and its relationship with the brain. Led by Dr. Sam Parnia, The Human Consciousness Project will conduct the world's first large-scale multicenter studies at major U.S. and European medical centers on the relationship between mind and brain during clinical death. The results of these studies may not only revolutionize the medical care of critically ill patients and the scientific study of the mind and brain, but may also bear profound universal implications for our understanding of death and what happens when we die.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Consciousness
• Science
• Multidimensionality
• out
• of
• body
• experience
• astral
• projection
• near
• death
• sam
• parnia

[ilkinond]

One has to admire Dr. Parnia for his professional courage in undertaking the Awareness Project. Vitally important research that it is, with results that could turn out to be astounding, this study is perhaps a risky one for any medic or scientist to take on. Best of luck Sam - can't wait to learn more about where your work goes.

[anewpersonalparadigm]

Well said.

It must have been amazingly compelling for this vocal section of the medical community to have witnessed a countless amount of patients who, after being pronounced clinically dead, were resuscitated only to describe their seemingly impossible observations of exact activities which had occurred in the room - reportedly from a birds-eye view somewhere near the ceiling...

This will be incredibly exciting to hear the results of this study. Paradigm shifting.

[wholescience]

I am fascinated by this study- it would never have been discussed just 50 years ago, even the mere mention would incur ridicule. Dr Sam Parnia has single-handedly done a lot to move the scientific study of NDE's into the mainstream arena.

[1Marylu]

I am so happy that finally scientist start to research about soul and prove it scientifically. I personally had a near death experience and out of body experiences many time. that's why I fully understand what are they talking about. I never could make anyone to understand or believe me. Thank you Dr. Parnia

[AnduinX]

@TheRosenbergTrials: I believe there's plenty of cause to study the subject too. First, it came in the form of impressive anecdotes. Then, interested doctors and scientists began to study the phenomenon. Then, impressive documented cases made headlines - such as Pam Reynolds. It's only natural that this would culminate in peer reviewed studies to test the validity of these claims.

[AnduinX]

@TheRosenbergTrials: What you said makes no sense. If we needed concrete evidence before we embark to study and learn about a subject we would have never advanced at all. Through study and experimentation we gather evidence - if we had concrete evidence of the subject beforehand there would be no purpose of this study at all. It exists to prove or disprove the matter.

[TheRosenbergTrials]

Bottom Line: there is no evidence challenging current scientific understanding of the brain that the NDE is actually happening during EEG flatline. it could be happening just before. NO EVIDENCE, MEANS THIS IS A JOKE UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE. yes. i said it. it's a joke to posit supernatural explanations without requiring EXTREMELY concrete evidence. more than a thousand years of science and more than a thousand witches burned at the stake should sufficiently attest to this point.

[TheRosenbergTrials]

The mind is a complex organ and delusion seems up to the task.

there isn't much debate whether or not people are experiencing something powerful during the "nde". experiencing something powerful, however, bears no evidentiary weight on legitimizing the notion of the OBE. Similarly, the power of religious prayer is not evidence for the existence of god. it is, however, evidence of the effects of believing in something with conviction.

[MonaalizMJiheartU]

However, what I don't get is, how can someone see anything that is going on in the room without opening their eyes? Therefore, if these people can describe things that have happened in the room while being dead, it was not physical, so these doctors must believe that it was something else, non physical, we can't see without eyes, they should say it like it is, where trying to see if there is something paranormal going on!

[Breanainn]

As someone on the fence, I'm curious to see what this study turns up. I've heard of some superficially veridical NDEs, but I've also read enough challenging skeptical critiques, even regarding some of the best of them to keep me from diving in one way of the other. We'll see.

[aliasflavius]

i find that hard to believe. what do you mean? what soul? where did you learn about this idea that you have a soul???

[gogoasacenusie]

What are the first results?Are they positive?Pls..tell us this is a really exciting study i can't wait the results...

[steve998]

PS, I meant to say...thanks so much anewpersonalparadigm for taking the time to upload these videos.