[Correspondence theory: an empirical scientific position in relation to mind-body relations in psychosomatic...

This paper presents a proposal regarding a concept of mind-body relationships which can be employed in clinical psychosomatics. Taking into account advances in the empirical sciences, it is termed nominalistic or constructivistic correspondence theory. Arguments are developed on the basis of several assertions: a) The "problem" has shifted from an ontologic to an epistemologic one; b) Psychical and somatic spheres are ways of dealing with experiences of an observer-agent which constitute "theories" to account for them; c) Both domains exhibit causal regularities, albeit of a different nature, and their elements show a "semiotic correspondence", not a material interaction. Their bonds stem from relational constructs developed in action, interaction and reflection. The discourses so created can be integrated into theories dealing with clinical phenomena. Differences between the outlined approach and others are pointed out, along with some of its advantages, shortcomings, and applications.