Abstract

Suggests that altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in general and out-of -body experiences (OBEs) in particular are best understood in terms of models of reality. It is proposed that (1) the cognitive system builds many models at once but, at any time, only 1 model is taken to represent external reality; and (2) this is the most complex, stable, or coherent model. It is contended that, normally, the chosen model is built largely from sensory input, but, when deprived of sensory information, it can break down, allowing other models to take over. To regain input control, the cognitive system may build the best model it can of the surroundings it thinks it should be seeing, based on information in memory and imagination. Memory models are often more abstract and schematic than perceptual models and may take a bird's eye view. The theory suggests that, if such a model becomes more stable than the input model, it takes over as reality, the imagined world then seems real, and an OBE has occurred. The phenomenology of the OBE is discussed in light of this theory, and some testable predictions are made. Other ASCs that occur during sleep are noted. (32 ref)