Network Approach to Semiology

Summary

Dealing with quantity and diversity of symptoms, while searching to capture the essence of a remedy, seem to be divergent aims, somewhat difficult to reconcile. The atomistic viewpoint of symptom study is limited, both in the health field in general and in homeopathy in particular, and can be challenged to expand our understanding perspective. The present work explores the subject through a multidimensional approach, including its componential, vectorial, and informational aspects. Ontologically defined as an open network of semiotic connections, the homeopathic symptom is explored through its multilevel structure. Three fundamental levels are presented, defined, and explained, as well as corresponding examples are given for each one. Network aspects of levels are discussed and diagrammatically represented, showing some of their organizational properties. A new approach to studying remedies is proposed, based on the semantic network of the repertory. Making it possible to visualize relevant links among symptoms, the method allows characterizing specific expressions of a remedy, while showing how they are related among themselves. It also makes it possible to identify and graphically demonstrate attractor properties of symptom fields in vital space.

Key words

Symptom - Remedy picture - Network - Repertory - Remedy essence - Semiology

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