Philosophies on the existence of life after death and the near-death experiences of the blind are the topics to be covered in two upcoming presentations sponsored by the UNLV Bigelow Chair of Consciousness Studies.

"Philosophy and the Afterlife," set for 1-5 p.m. April 17, will be the topic of discussion for three professors who have dedicated their careers to better understanding the issues of life after death. They will share their research on people who have had paranormal experiences related to death and dying and discuss whether these experiences provide credible evidence of life after death.

Presenting the seminar will be Raymond Moody, holder of the UNLV Bigelow Chair of Consciousness Studies; Robert Almeder, a philosophy professor at Georgia State University; and Michael Grosso, a philosophy professor at the State University of New Jersey.

On April 22 at 6 p.m., Kenneth Ring, a psychology professor emeritus from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, will present "Mindsight: Near-Death Experiences of the Blind."

Ring, the author of Life at Death and Heading Toward Omega, has investigated near-death experiences since 1976. During his lecture, he will discuss a study he conducted on blind individuals who reported having visual experiences during near-death situations.

Both presentations will be held in the Flora Dungan Humanities Building, Room 109, and are free and open to the public. For more information, call the office of the Bigelow Chair of Consciousness Studies at 895-1970.