Technology and magic have long been intertwined in human history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, humans have used both technic and magic to understand and manipulate the world around them. Technic, or technology, refers to the application of scientific knowledge and tools to practical purposes. It encompasses inventions and innovations that have shaped human societies, such as the wheel, the printing press, and the internet. Technological advancements have revolutionized industries, improved living conditions, and connected people across the globe. Magic, on the other hand, has a more mystical and esoteric connotation.
Magic, on the other hand, has a more mystical and esoteric connotation. It involves the use of supernatural or unexplained forces to achieve desired outcomes. Throughout history, people have believed in the power of rituals, charms, and spells to influence the natural world.
Technic and Magic: Federico Campagna in conversation
Technic and Magic: The Reconstruction of Reality is an original philosophical work, and a timely cultural intervention.
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 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.
Biographies
Federico Campagna is a philosopher and writer. His latest books are Technic and Magic: The Reconstruction of Reality (Bloomsbury, 2018), and The Last Night (Zero Books, 2013). He is the editor of Franco Berardi’s philosophical anthology Quarant’anni Contro il Lavoro (Derive Approdi, 2017). He has presented his work in institutions including the 57th Venice Biennale (Venice), Documenta 13 (Kassel), the Serpentine Gallery (London), Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art (Moscow), MACBA (Barcelona). Federico is currently a PhD candidate in the School of Communication at the Royal College of Art, London.
Franco 'Bifo' Berardi is a writer and theorist based in Bologna. His work revolves mainly around the aesthetics of the contemporary psychosphere. His latest books include Futurability, Phenomenology of the End, and The Soul at Work. In the 1970s he was one of the founders of the pirate radio station Radio Alice, the magazine A/traverso and of the political movement Autonomia.
Magic is often associated with religious or spiritual practices and is found in various cultural traditions. Interestingly, technic and magic have intersected in several ways. In ancient times, tools and inventions were often attributed magical properties. For example, the discovery of fire and its ability to provide warmth and cook food may have been seen as a magical event. Similarly, the development of irrigation systems to control water sources may have been seen as harnessing unseen forces. In medieval Europe, alchemy was a field that combined both technic and magic. Alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold and discover the elixir of life. While their methods were often rooted in superstition and mysticism, they also conducted experiments that laid the foundation for the science of chemistry. In recent times, technology has even been compared to magic. The rapid advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and genetic engineering have brought about significant changes, often leaving people in awe. The ability to communicate instantaneously around the world or create lifelike virtual experiences can sometimes feel like magic, blurring the lines between the real and the fantastical. Furthermore, technology has been used to enhance magical practices. In the form of stage illusions and special effects, technology has allowed magicians and illusionists to create mind-boggling performances that captivate audiences. From holograms to levitating objects, technology brings a new dimension to the art of magic. In conclusion, technology and magic have a complex and intertwined relationship. From ancient times to the present, humans have used both technic and magic to explore, understand, and manipulate the world around them. While technology relies on scientific knowledge and practical applications, magic often invokes supernatural or mystical forces. Yet, throughout history, the lines between the two have often blurred, with technology being seen as magical and magic incorporating technological tools. In the modern world, technology continues to push boundaries and create experiences that can be seen as magical..
Reviews for "From Smoke and Mirrors to Silicon Chips: A Brief History of Tech and Magic"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Technic and Mabic" to be a disappointment. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, jumping from one unrelated event to another without any clear explanation. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, I found the writing style to be overly descriptive and pretentious, making it hard to follow the actual plot behind all the unnecessary details. Overall, I was not impressed with "Technic and Mabic" and would not recommend it.
2. Alex - 2.5 stars
After hearing so much hype about "Technic and Mabic", I was excited to read it. However, I was sorely disappointed. The worldbuilding was lacking and the magic system felt arbitrary and poorly explained. The pacing was off, with some parts dragging on while others were rushed. The protagonist was unlikable and hard to root for, which made it difficult to be invested in their journey. Overall, I found "Technic and Mabic" to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I was incredibly frustrated with "Technic and Mabic". The writing was convoluted and confusing, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be clever and profound. The plot was predictable and filled with clichés, offering nothing new or original. The dialogue was clunky and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the characters and their interactions. I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed with "Technic and Mabic", and I regret spending my time on it.