Hallucination

A sensory experience, such as seeing or hearing something, without a corresponding external stimulus.

A sensory experience, such as seeing something or hearing a voice, without a corresponding external stimulus. It can feel real to the person experiencing it.

Hallucinations are sensory experiences without a corresponding external stimulus. Stress, lack of sleep, drug use or some health conditions can produce experiences that feel real. Cultural expectations may also shape their interpretation: someone familiar with Christian beliefs might understand an unusual experience as a message from God.

A perception, such as seeing an image or hearing a voice, without a corresponding external stimulus.

Evaluate both explanations: a life-changing experience does not automatically prove a divine cause, but a possible natural explanation does not establish that every vision is a hallucination.

When evaluating hallucination arguments, explain a Christian response and then consider whether that response rules out a natural explanation.

Do not assume that every atheist or Humanist thinks people reporting visions are lying: a hallucination can be sincerely experienced.

A perception experienced as real without a corresponding external object or event.

Some atheists and Humanists argue that visions are hallucinations or other psychological experiences. Stress, sleep deprivation, medication or some mental health conditions can produce vivid experiences of seeing or hearing things. This offers a natural explanation without requiring God.

A perception, such as seeing something or hearing a voice, without a corresponding external stimulus.

An experience of seeing, hearing or otherwise perceiving something without a corresponding external stimulus.

A perception-like experience without a corresponding external stimulus. Calling an experience a hallucination does not, by itself, establish its cause.

A perception, such as seeing something, without a corresponding external stimulus. It can feel real to the person experiencing it.

A perception-like experience without the corresponding external object or event being present.

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Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A · 1RA0

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Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B · 1RB0