Technic and magic are two concepts that often intersect and overlap in various fields and industries. While technic refers to the application of scientific knowledge and processes, magic is often associated with supernatural or inexplicable phenomena. However, when explored together, technic and magic can create powerful and awe-inspiring experiences. Technic, driven by human innovation and ingenuity, has transformed the world in numerous ways. From the invention of the wheel to the development of advanced artificial intelligence, technic has allowed us to build complex systems, automate tasks, and push the boundaries of what is possible. It involves harnessing the laws of nature and using them to our advantage.
Heidegger, M. (1966) Discourse on Thinking (A Translation of Gelassenheit). Trans. John M. Anderson and E. Hans Freund. New York: Harper Torchbooks.
Drawing on the tradition of what he calls true magic a blend of theosophy and Islamic theology spanning from antiquity to the Renaissance Campagna distinguishes this mode from a more vulgar conception of Magic as a dark art. The accumulation of such degradations such as the rise of homo economicus , the objectification of subjectivity, the triumph of the quantitative over the qualitative, and so on has resulted in a crisis of imagination.
It involves harnessing the laws of nature and using them to our advantage. On the other hand, magic has often been associated with the inexplicable and the mystical. It has been used to entertain, inspire, and create a sense of wonder.
Technic and Magic: The Reconstruction of Reality (Paperback)
We take for granted that only certain kind of things exist - electrons but not angels, passports but not nymphs. This is what we understand as 'reality'. But in fact, 'reality' varies with each era of the world, in turn shaping the field of what is possible to do, think and imagine. Our contemporary age has embraced a troubling and painful form of reality: Technic.
Under Technic, the foundations of reality begin to crumble, shrinking the field of the possible and freezing our lives in an anguished state of paralysis. Technic and Magic shows that the way out of the present deadlock lies much deeper than debates on politics or economics. By drawing from an array of Northern and Southern sources - spanning from Heidegger, Junger and Stirner's philosophies, through Pessoa's poetry, to Advaita Vedanta, Bhartrhari, Ibn Arabi, Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra's theosophies - Magic is presented as an alternative system of reality to Technic. While Technic attempts to capture the world through an 'absolute language', Magic centres its reconstruction of the world around the notion of the 'ineffable' that lies at the heart of existence.
Technic and Magic is an original philosophical work, and a timely cultural intervention. It disturbs our understanding of the structure of reality, while restoring it in a new form. This is possibly the most radical act: if we wish to change our world, first we have to change the idea of 'reality' that defines it.
About the Author
Federico Campagna is an Italian philosopher based in London. He is the author of The Last Night: anti-Work, Atheism, Adventure (2013) and What We Are Fighting For: a Radical Collective Manifesto (2012) and visiting lecturer at Royal College of Art, UK.
- Eastern
- History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical
- Hindu
- Kobo eBook (May 30th, 2018): $31.45
- Hardcover (May 31st, 2018): $161.00
Magic tricks and illusions, for example, often rely on misdirection, sleight of hand, and psychological manipulation to create an illusion of the impossible. Magic captivates our imagination and challenges our understanding of what is real or possible. However, when technic and magic converge, the result can be truly transformative. Illusionists and magicians have been able to incorporate technological advancements into their performances, enhancing the sense of wonder and disbelief. From holographic projections to augmented reality, these advancements enable magicians to create illusions that were once unimaginable. Similarly, technic has been influenced by the concepts of magic. In the realm of entertainment, for example, technological advancements have allowed filmmakers to bring fantastical worlds and creatures to life on the screen using special effects and computer-generated imagery. These technological innovations have created a sense of magic and immersion in storytelling that was previously inaccessible. In addition, in fields such as medicine and engineering, technic has allowed us to perform seemingly magical feats. Medical procedures that were once life-threatening can now be done with minimal invasiveness and incredible precision. Engineering marvels, such as skyscrapers and bridges, stand tall and defy gravity, thanks to the application of advanced technic. Ultimately, the convergence of technic and magic opens up new possibilities and challenges our understanding of the world. It reminds us that even in the age of scientific reasoning, there are still mysteries to be explored and experiences to be appreciated beyond what our rational minds can comprehend. Whether it is in the form of a captivating magic trick or a groundbreaking technological innovation, the combination of technic and magic continues to shape our world and captivate our imagination..
Reviews for "Technic as a Tool for Amplifying Magical Abilities"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really excited to watch "Technic and Magic" as it was described as a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. However, I was sorely disappointed. The storyline was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. The special effects were also subpar, making the magical elements feel cliché and underwhelming. Overall, "Technic and Magic" failed to live up to its potential and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I watched "Technic and Magic" with high hopes, but it turned out to be a complete disappointment. The plot was incredibly predictable, leaving no room for surprise or excitement. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to become emotionally invested in the story. The acting was mediocre at best, with performances that lacked any real depth or authenticity. The entire film felt like a cheap imitation of other well-known fantasy and science fiction movies, without bringing anything new or innovative to the table. I would not recommend wasting your time on "Technic and Magic".
3. Mike - 2 stars
"Technic and Magic" had a promising concept, but it failed to deliver in execution. The pacing was all over the place, with lengthy periods of boredom followed by rushed moments of action. The editing was choppy and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the flow of the story. The world-building was underdeveloped, leaving many unanswered questions and making it hard to fully immerse oneself in the fantasy elements. Overall, "Technic and Magic" had potential, but it fell short in almost every aspect, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience.