Imam Sadiq University Philosophy of Religion Research 2228-6578 24 1 2026 05 22 Near-Death Experiences: The Philosophical Implications of the Existing Ambiguities Near-Death Experiences: The Philosophical Implications of the Existing Ambiguities 1 17 78175 10.30497/prr.2026.248002.1995 FA Mojtaba Etemadinia Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Logics Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0001-6675-9026 Journal Article 2025 04 02 Despite half a century of debate and investigation into near-death experiences (NDEs), several aspects of this phenomenon remain ambiguous and unresolved. The uncertainty regarding the prevalence of NDEs, their specific components, and the precise timing of their occurrence are among the most significant ambiguities. This paper, after reviewing various definitions of the term "near-death experience" and explaining the aforementioned ambiguities, examines the philosophical implications of these uncertainties, particularly in relation to supernatural explanations. The findings suggest that most NDEs are more closely associated with altered states of consciousness than with death itself. Consequently, the use of the term "near-death experience" for many alleged cases should be approached with skepticism. The ambiguity surrounding the specific components of NDEs, which is complicated by the problem of cluster structures, not only challenges researchers in identifying the essential elements of the experience but also makes it difficult for proponents of supernatural explanations to substantiate their claims. Furthermore, the difficulty in determining the precise timing of NDEs—often dependent on verifying so-called out-of-body observations—poses a potential challenge for advocates of supernatural explanations. Despite half a century of debate and investigation into near-death experiences (NDEs), several aspects of this phenomenon remain ambiguous and unresolved. The uncertainty regarding the prevalence of NDEs, their specific components, and the precise timing of their occurrence are among the most significant ambiguities. This paper, after reviewing various definitions of the term "near-death experience" and explaining the aforementioned ambiguities, examines the philosophical implications of these uncertainties, particularly in relation to supernatural explanations. The findings suggest that most NDEs are more closely associated with altered states of consciousness than with death itself. Consequently, the use of the term "near-death experience" for many alleged cases should be approached with skepticism. The ambiguity surrounding the specific components of NDEs, which is complicated by the problem of cluster structures, not only challenges researchers in identifying the essential elements of the experience but also makes it difficult for proponents of supernatural explanations to substantiate their claims. Furthermore, the difficulty in determining the precise timing of NDEs—often dependent on verifying so-called out-of-body observations—poses a potential challenge for advocates of supernatural explanations. https://prrj.isu.ac.ir/article_78175_d58892501363fc735d3c12592162e3c2.pdf