Shamans and robots: on ritual, the placebo effect, and artificial consciousness

Part I. The rituals of pleasure and the world: Anthropology of the placebo effect. The placebo

The ligatures of Qusta ibn Luqa

The magical powers

A Shamanic journey in search of the lost soul

Neurology of the placebo effect

On electronic amulets and catharsis

Zombies and Transhumanists

Part II. The construction of an artificial consciousness: Anthropology of the robotic effect. The mystery of thinking machines

The robotic effect

How do you educate a robot?

Panpsychism

A mechanical consciousness

Robotic culture

Prostheses and symbols

Robotic experiences

Emancipation of the exocerebrums

Sentimental machines

Proof of the placebo.