Читать книгу Placebo: Mind over Matter in Modern Medicine - Dylan Evans - Страница 6

Since this book was first published, in January 2003, it has provoked a variety of responses, ranging from enthusiastic approval to cold hostility. This is probably to be expected, given that the book deals with a topic that is at the very edge of scientific discovery. Until we have gathered more evidence, scientists will continue to argue about the biological and psychological mechanisms that underlie the placebo response. Indeed, it is this process of argument and debate that makes science such a lively and passionate activity.

There are repeated reminders throughout the book that the theory proposed in Chapter 3 is not yet proven, but even this was not enough to prevent some critics from accusing me of presenting my hypothesis as if it were already an established fact. This is perhaps testimony to the reluctance of many medical scientists to venture beyond the safe realm of data and into the perilous terrain of theory. That reluctance is a shame, because speculation is essential if we are to discover anything new.

Recent research, published since this book was first published, appears to confirm the theory it proposes. Readers may find links to some of this research on my website (www.dylan.org.uk), which is regularly updated. But even if the theory proposed here turns out not to be a complete explanation of the placebo response, I am confident it will remain an important part of the puzzle. Read this book, and judge for yourself!

Dylan Evans, May 2003