Magic and machines have long been seen as two opposing forces. Magic represents the mystical and unexplained, while machines embody logic and scientific progress. However, in recent years, the lines between magic and machines have become blurred, with advancements in technology making seemingly magical feats possible. One example of this convergence can be seen in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the ability to perform complex tasks that were once thought to require human intelligence. This ability has been likened to a form of magic, as machines are able to make decisions and learn from experience without explicit programming.
Students will have the option to take modules on dragons in western literature and art, the legend of King Arthur, palaeography, Islamic thought, archaeological theory and practice, the depiction of women in the middle ages, the book in medieval and early modern Europe, gender, society and culture in early modern Europe and the philosophy of psychedelics.
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This ability has been likened to a form of magic, as machines are able to make decisions and learn from experience without explicit programming. The development of AI has raised ethical questions and concerns, similar to those surrounding the practice of magic. Another area where magic and machines intersect is in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
British university offers master’s degree in magic and the occult
If you’ve been getting into crystals, manifesting your dream board or exploring feminist readings of witchcraft, you can now take your hobby to the next level – with the UK’s first postgraduate degree in magic and the occult.
The University of Exeter is seeking to harness growing interest in the subjects with a course that will explore the history and impact of witchcraft and magic around the world on society and science.
The multidisciplinary degree, which starts in September 2024, will draw on history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, sociology, psychology, drama and religion to show the role of magic on the west and the east.
Prof Emily Selove, who leads the course, said: “A recent surge in interest in magic and the occult inside and outside academia lies at the heart of the most urgent questions of our society. Decolonisation, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism, and anti-racism are at the core of this programme.”
She said this reversed a tendency in recent decades to “dismiss the study of magic and the occult”, with the idea that it is “no longer of importance to ‘modern people’”.
Citing rituals such as wearing jewellery considered to be lucky or representing a point of contact with a distant person or thing, touching wood, or not shaving to avoid jinxing the team on match day, Selove said “a superficial glance at our own beliefs and the beliefs of the people around shows us [that] magic is a part of our everyday life. Responsible scholars would do well to take this seriously”.
This is confirmed by the growth in the popularity of folklore, witchcraft, tarot and crystals, which has been understood as a reaction to the decline of organised religion. The 2022 census found a rise in the number of people identifying as pagans and wiccans in the UK, while shamanism was the fastest-growing religion.
Selove said the MA in magic and occult science would reexamine “the assumption that the west is the place of rationalism and science, while the rest of the world is a place of magic and superstition”, including how it underpins western culture, and how its relationship with the natural world can bring new perspectives to climate breakdown.
She said there was a “growing acknowledgment” in academia that texts dealing with magic or occult subjects have been “systematically neglected by scholarship” in medieval and early modern history, literature, and religion, as well as the history of science and philosophy.
Selove said there had been a lot of interest in the course since its launch, with the university receiving more than 100 inquiries.
The course will combine traditional western academic methodologies and more alternative approaches, with students able to complete their dissertation through a performance work.
It says it will equip students with skills including creative thinking, analytical thinking, curiosity and lifelong learning.
Students will have the option to take modules on dragons in western literature and art, the legend of King Arthur, palaeography, Islamic thought, archaeological theory and practice, the depiction of women in the middle ages, the book in medieval and early modern Europe, gender, society and culture in early modern Europe and the philosophy of psychedelics.
VR allows users to be fully immersed in a computer-generated environment, while AR overlays digital information onto the real world. These technologies have the potential to create experiences that seem magical, such as transporting users to fantastical realms or allowing them to interact with fictional characters. Additionally, the rise of 3D printing has brought about a new level of technological magic. With the ability to create physical objects from digital designs, 3D printers have revolutionized various industries. From manufacturing to healthcare, this technology has the power to transform ideas into reality, seemingly out of thin air. Despite these advancements, magic and machines are not without their limitations and challenges. While machines can perform tasks with speed and accuracy, they lack the creativity and intuition that humans possess. Magic, on the other hand, often defies scientific explanation and can be unpredictable in its outcomes. Furthermore, ethical considerations arise when magic-like technologies blur the boundaries of what was once considered possible or ethical. In conclusion, magic and machines are no longer mutually exclusive concepts. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for combining the two realms only grow. Whether it be through AI, VR/AR, or 3D printing, the convergence of magic and machines holds the potential for both awe-inspiring advancements and complex ethical quandaries. It is up to us, as society and individuals, to navigate this intersection with wisdom and caution..
Reviews for "Is Magic Still Magical in the Age of Machines?"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in "Magic and Machines". The plot was confusing and hard to follow, with too many characters and subplots that didn't seem to connect. The writing style was also choppy and lacked depth, making it difficult to become invested in the story or care about the characters. Overall, I found it to be a tedious read that didn't live up to the hype.
2. Michael - 1 star - I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in "Magic and Machines". The world-building was weak, and the author relied too heavily on cliches and tropes. The dialogue was forced and unnatural, making it hard to develop any connection with the characters. Additionally, the pacing was all over the place, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on unnecessarily. Overall, I found this book to be a lackluster and forgettable read.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic and Machines", but it fell short in several areas. The character development was lacking, with flat and uninteresting protagonists. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistent, leaving me confused and frustrated. Additionally, the writing itself was mediocre, with repetitive phrases and a lack of descriptive language. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best and would not recommend it.
4. David - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Magic and Machines" because it was simply unbearable. The plot was convoluted and unoriginal, filled with predictable twists and turns. The author's attempt at humor fell flat, and the attempts at creating dramatic tension were forced and artificial. I found myself skimming through the pages, hoping it would get better, but it never did. Save yourself the agony and skip this book.
5. Emily - 2 stars - "Magic and Machines" was a disappointing read for me. The characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional, making it hard to become invested in their journey. The writing style was also clunky and awkward, with excessive use of adverbs and unnecessary descriptions. The world-building was also underdeveloped, leaving many unanswered questions. Overall, I found this book to be a forgettable and underwhelming read.