Dylan Evans is currently Research Officer in Evolutionary Robotics at the University of Bath. Previously he was a Research Fellow in the Philosophy Department at King’s College London, where he was involved in a project on the evolution of the emotions. His previous books include Emotion: The Science of Sentiment and Introducing Evolutionary Psychology. He contributes regularly to the Guardian, and broadcasts frequently.

'Should prove fascinating and stimulating to expert and ordinary readers alike' Marek Kohn, Evening Standard 'Persuasive, elegant and challenging.' Michael Bywater, Daily Telegraph 'The placebo effect is fundamental to medical treatment, and this book brilliantly explores the scientific evidence in an accessible and gripping manner.' Lewis Wolpert 'The placebo effect, of such huge importance in our lives, is an effect which according to conventional scientific wisdom ought not to exist. Now, out of left field, springs a modern-day philosopher with challenging - and persuasive - ideas about what the effect amounts to and why.' Nicholas Humphrey

Dylan Evans is currently Research Officer in Evolutionary Robotics at the University of Bath. Previously he was a Research Fellow in the Philosophy Department at King’s College London, where he was involved in a project on the evolution of the emotions. His previous books include Emotion: The Science of Sentiment and Introducing Evolutionary Psychology. He contributes regularly to the Guardian, and broadcasts frequently.

'Should prove fascinating and stimulating to expert and ordinary readers alike' Marek Kohn, Evening Standard 'Persuasive, elegant and challenging.' Michael Bywater, Daily Telegraph 'The placebo effect is fundamental to medical treatment, and this book brilliantly explores the scientific evidence in an accessible and gripping manner.' Lewis Wolpert 'The placebo effect, of such huge importance in our lives, is an effect which according to conventional scientific wisdom ought not to exist. Now, out of left field, springs a modern-day philosopher with challenging - and persuasive - ideas about what the effect amounts to and why.' Nicholas Humphrey