Semiosis in Phisical Dimension Through Placebos

Abstract

The physical processes that may be triggered by human cognition show the need for deeper research on this issue, which attests that the incentive for studies in semiotics can lead to benefits beyond the conceptual and academic areas. Thus, our main intention is to address the relationship between the mental and physical stances from a semiotic perspective, mainly based on studies by Roland Barthes and Ferdinand de Saussure. For this purpose, the placebo effect, which can be defined as the unfounded reaction to innocuous treatment, is examined. First, its definition is detailed and explored, as to its causes and consequences, from medical and psychological perspectives. Then, the roles of collective entities, such as culture and language, are highlighted in the composition of a system of values. For such, one needs a semiotic analysis which considers the dual relationships between individual and society, the existence of myths and symbols, and the distinction between body and mind. Finally, we suggest some allegorical or structural expansions to the placebo effect mechanism for future studies to tackle the subject.