Could you explain what "fictionally exists" means? Do you mean in Marvel or DC comics?
If so then magic certainly exists as a distinct force in DC separate from other forms of power. A recent retcon puts the Sorcerer's World as the source of all DC magic, including 5D powers.
As for a definition that's murkier. Maybe Books of Magic explained it. I haven't actually read BoM though. *shrug*
Originally posted by JynocidusHow about: magic is the deployment of supernatural forces. Able to circumvent laws of physics, these forces originate in realms inhabited by, or giving rise to, the likes of ghosts, vampires, demons, gods, etc.
Theoretically, I believe that technology is nothing more than metaphysical technology which enables humans to utilize energy in order to utilize energy...even 'mystical blasts' consist of some sort of energy. Can someone like....define magic for me?
Re: does magic even fictionally exist?
Originally posted by Jynocidus
Theoretically, I believe that technology is nothing more than metaphysical technology which enables humans to utilize energy in order to utilize energy...even 'mystical blasts' consist of some sort of energy. Can someone like....define magic for me?
There's lots of convolutions going on here .... first of all
"Metaphysical technology" is a contradiction in terms, unless your a Neo Platonist, and u belive in some kind of abstract object/form of technology ?
Metaphysic's is a philosophical term, that is used to talk about things that exist, and the logical rules that govern these things. I'm not talking about the laws of physics, more like the laws of logic. For example, there can be no change without time, ( this is a very contentious rule by the way), or a thing cannot have a one property, and simultaneously have the opposite property (Leibniz, very famous rule).
When u refer to Energy, I think u mean it in a science/physics sense ?
I.e. I think you are implying that magic is just another force of nature, with its own rules and laws like gravity, that is “currently” to exotic to measure or predict ? Or maybe you are implying its another form of energy, that is neither potential, or kinetic (How that would work, is beyond me).
Or maybe you are implying that it is a form of metaphysics, like cause and effect, or probability (I think this is a form of metaphysics ?)?
Anyway, I think u should clarify your first post before, I answer the question ?
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Could you explain what "fictionally exists" means? Do you mean in Marvel or DC comics?If so then magic certainly exists as a distinct force in DC separate from other forms of power. A recent retcon puts the Sorcerer's World as the source of all DC magic, including 5D powers.
As for a definition that's murkier. Maybe Books of Magic explained it. I haven't actually read BoM though. *shrug*
Eh, the original books of magic mini didn't explain much, it more Constantine, Stranger etc showing Tim the effects of choosing to become a magician...
Although, it seemed to be set in Vertigo-verse more than standard DC continuity.
Originally posted by Mindship
How about: magic is the deployment of supernatural forces. Able to circumvent laws of physics, these forces originate in realms inhabited by, or giving rise to, the likes of ghosts, vampires, demons, gods, etc.
hmmmmmm
If I was in the mood, I spend the rest of the night arguing that terms like "supernatural" and "circumvent laws of physics" are semnatically meaningless ... but I can't be bothered.
Hows it going matey ???
🙂
Originally posted by Cartesian DoubtI was going to stop with 'deployment of supernatural forces'. But then I figured, I better give some idea of what I mean by supernatural, or someone's gonna bust my chops about it.
If I was in the mood, I spend the rest of the night arguing that terms like "supernatural" and "circumvent laws of physics" are semnatically meaningless ... but I can't be bothered.Hows it going matey ???
🙂
Getting ready to celebrate. A healthy and happy one to ya.
Magic has always been just a way to describe science we don't understand.
I like the premise of this thread, its similar to how Mr Terrific described his reasoning to why he's atheist in spite of having met The Spectre and Ragman. Its all just energy we don't really understand enough to properly label or describe. That doesn't make it magic or supernatural.
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Could you explain what "fictionally exists" means? Do you mean in Marvel or DC comics?If so then magic certainly exists as a distinct force in DC separate from other forms of power. A recent retcon puts the Sorcerer's World as the source of all DC magic, including 5D powers.
As for a definition that's murkier. Maybe Books of Magic explained it. I haven't actually read BoM though. *shrug*
For the purpose of this thread, I guess I mean comics only...but I think my theory might apply across any work of fiction.
Re: Re: does magic even fictionally exist?
Originally posted by Cartesian Doubt
There's lots of convolutions going on here .... first of all"Metaphysical technology" is a contradiction in terms, unless your a Neo Platonist, and u belive in some kind of abstract object/form of technology ?
Metaphysic's is a philosophical term, that is used to talk about things that exist, and the logical rules that govern these things. I'm not talking about the laws of physics, more like the laws of logic. For example, there can be no change without time, ( this is a very contentious rule by the way), or a thing cannot have a one property, and simultaneously have the opposite property (Leibniz, very famous rule).
When u refer to Energy, I think u mean it in a science/physics sense ?
I.e. I think you are implying that magic is just another force of nature, with its own rules and laws like gravity, that is “currently” to exotic to measure or predict ? Or maybe you are implying its another form of energy, that is neither potential, or kinetic (How that would work, is beyond me).
Or maybe you are implying that it is a form of metaphysics, like cause and effect, or probability (I think this is a form of metaphysics ?)?
Anyway, I think u should clarify your first post before, I answer the question ?
Yeah, this is on the right track. I guess what I'm trying to say is...most magic should be called mysticism. The various acts of Mysticism are nothing more than a way to access abilities, skills, attributes, and/or conditions that in one way or another several cosmic beings of varying potentials are or have been capable of, in which you do not possess or are incapable of replicating. The way to access the many gifts of ‘Mysticism’ should be unique, will always vary, and be dependent on the creativity of the writer(s).
Originally posted by JynocidusPersonally, I wouldn't equate the two. Magic generally doesn't involve 'God'; it usually involves lower-order entities; whereas mysticism implies an awareness/knowledge of 'God'. But of course, in comics, you can call whatever whatever.
Yeah, this is on the right track. I guess what I'm trying to say is...most magic should be called mysticism. The various acts of Mysticism are nothing more than a way to access abilities, skills, attributes, and/or conditions that in one way or another several cosmic beings of varying potentials are or have been capable of, in which you do not possess or are incapable of replicating. The way to access the many gifts of ‘Mysticism’ should be unique, will always vary, and be dependent on the creativity of the writer(s).
Originally posted by basiliskThis strikes me as an isolated differentiation. I was always under the impression that Marvel saw them as different, too.
Vision: "What we call magic, but what we really know to be the psionic manipulation of probability." - talking in regards to a field that had immobilized Mjolnir (Avengers #330).