Placebo Comics and Philosophy by Design: The Argument from Design

Abstract

Placebo effects are often quite funny, and so the subject seemed rich terrain for conceptual comics. In general, humour is an effective, and underappreciated, conceptual tool. It can be an invitation: our entrée to the ponder-worthy. It serves to focus and clarify what an idea can mean. Placebos, in their metaphysical oddity and varied role in the popular imagination, turned out to be a great subject matter, indeed. What follows is a brief introduction to our group, The Argument from Design, our mission, and the way we make comic art