Booklist
Edwards, noted philosopher and editor of the definitive Encyclopedia of Philosophy (1967), tackles the concepts of reincarnation and karma with erudition, energy, and wit. His aim is to test the logical standing of reincarnation--and, in passing, the survival of consciousness beyond physical death--as a rational system of belief based on unambiguous evidence. Some of the eschatological flaws he finds are rarely discussed in writings by proponents: Who decides in what form an individual will be reborn? What physical or paraphysical process accomplishes this rebirth? Why are a person's ego and memory reset to zero each time? Edwards examines the evidence that supports reincarnation--dejavu, child prodigies, hypnotic regressions and progressions, birthmarks, spontaneous memories, and near-death experiences--and discovers that all is easily accounted for by other scenarios. The Bridey Murphy case, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Raymond Moody, and Stanislav Grof are subjected to some shattering criticism. Only Dr. Ian Stevenson, who has investigated the subject since the early 1970s, gets credit for professionalism and integrity, if not flawless methodology. Skeptic and reincarnationist alike will find this book enjoyable and challenging. George Eberhart
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Humanist in Canada, Summer 1999
"...a great book...it has the rigour of an academic text, with the clarity and accessibility of a good magazine article, plus the fun of a stand-up comedy act."
--Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
