Magic and occult sciences have been a subject of fascination since ancient times. From the days of ancient civilizations to modern times, humans have been intrigued by the possibility of harnessing unseen forces and tapping into supernatural powers. However, the field of magic and occult sciences is often seen as controversial and shrouded in mystery. Magic, in its various forms, is the practice of manipulating natural forces and energies to bring about desired outcomes. It involves rituals, spells, and incantations that are believed to have the power to bend reality. Some practitioners of magic believe that it is a way to connect with spiritual entities or tap into the collective unconscious.
The relationship between magic and science is much more complicated than this simple view, as Arthur C. Clarke famously expressed in the last of his three laws:
The fact that the scientist has succeeded where the magician failed has put such a wide contrast between them in popular thought that the real story of the birth of Science is misunderstood. I allow that some certainly not all of the early scientists were actuated by a pure love of knowledge, but if we consider the temper of that age as a whole we can discern the impulse of which I speak.
Some practitioners of magic believe that it is a way to connect with spiritual entities or tap into the collective unconscious. Occult sciences, on the other hand, refer to the study of hidden or secret knowledge. This may include divination, astrology, numerology, and alchemy, among others.
C S Lewis pondering science and magic
*From "The Abolition of Man," of 1943, which strikes me as being the first book that speculates about posthumanism from the point of view of why it's gotta be a lousy thing to do to people. The companion volume is "The World, the Flesh and the Devil" by J D Bernal of 1929, which has a lot to say about why guys like CS Lewis are deadwood and oughta get out of the way.
*Here Lewis is saying something rather interesting about the relationship of science, magic, philosophy and power over ourselves and others. Naturally Lewis has it figured that something went wrong and weird about the time that Galileo showed up, and what went wrong is probably the "scientific method." Instead of this dry, value-free process of falsifiable experimentation, which is really an unexamined power-grab according to Lewis, Lewis wants a different process of knowledge-seeking that contains the values that are usually consigned to religion.
*And, y'know, we don't really have one of those. I'm not even sure what it would look like. It would be interesting to write a story where people really thought that way; a post-science civilization that wasn't magical.
"The fact that the scientist has succeeded where the magician failed has put such a wide contrast between them in popular thought that the real story of the birth of Science is misunderstood. You will even find people who write about the sixteenth century as if Magic were a medieval survival and Science the new thing that came in to sweep it away. Those who have studied the period know better.
"There was very little magic in the Middle Ages: the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are the high noon of magic. The serious magical endeavour and the serious scientific endeavour are twins: one was sickly and died, the other strong and throve. But they were twins. They were born of the same impulse.
"I allow that some (certainly not all) of the early scientists were actuated by a pure love of knowledge, but if we consider the temper of that age as a whole we can discern the impulse of which I speak.
There is something which unites magic and applied science while separating both from the wisdom of earlier ages. For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality, and the solution had been knowledge, self-discipline, and virtue. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men: the solution is a technique; and both, in the practice of this technique, are ready to do things hitherto regarded as disgusting and impious — such as digging up and mutilating the dead.
These sciences aim to uncover the hidden aspects of the universe and provide insight into the future or the nature of reality. Throughout history, magic and occult sciences have been both revered and feared. In some cultures, practitioners of magic were respected and sought after for their abilities to heal, protect, or bring luck. In other cultures, they were seen as heretics or witches and were persecuted and even executed. In modern times, the study and practice of magic and occult sciences continue to exist, albeit in a more underground and esoteric form. There are still individuals and groups who dedicate themselves to mastering these arts and exploring the unknown. It is important to note that magic and occult sciences are often misunderstood and conflated with superstition or fraud. While there are certainly individuals who exploit these disciplines for personal gain or deception, there are also genuine practitioners who approach them with respect, integrity, and a genuine desire to understand the mysteries of the universe. In conclusion, magic and occult sciences have captivated human curiosity for centuries. They encompass a wide range of practices and beliefs that seek to tap into unseen forces and hidden knowledge. While they may remain controversial and enigmatic, they continue to inspire awe and wonder in those who are willing to explore the depths of the unknown..
Reviews for "The cultural significance of maguc and 9ccvlt sc8ence in different societies"
1. Jim - 2 stars
I didn't enjoy "Magic and Occult Science" at all. I found the storyline to be confusing and poorly developed. The characters lacked depth and were unrealistic. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive, to the point where it became tedious to read. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I really had high hopes for "Magic and Occult Science" based on the positive reviews I had read. However, I was sorely disappointed. The plot was disjointed and lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions felt forced and inconsistent. The writing style was bland and uninspiring, making it hard to stay engaged with the story. I regret wasting my time on this book.
3. Mike - 2 stars
"Magic and Occult Science" left me feeling unsatisfied. The pacing was slow, and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The world-building was underwhelming, leaving me with more questions than answers. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. Overall, I found this book to be lacking in various aspects, and it fell short of my expectations.