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If you, as an intelligent, educated person living in the modern world of the early 21st century, were shown incontrovertible proof that magic was real, how would you react? What questions or concerns would you have?

TIA!

 

Mixed feelings on that one. I would wonder just how much magic could effect civilization as a whole. How powerful can magic be? What is the source? What is the science behind it?

 

Can you elaborate further on what you mean by "magic"?

 

Magic as in... magic. Casting spells. Making things happen that shouldn't, according to physics. More Harry Potterish than D&Dish, but magic.

 

I suppose i'd be pretty amazed, and i'd really want to learn to do it if possible.

 

I ask the question because there is a fine line between magic and science. Electricity would have been 'magic' to someone 400 years ago. My reaction would depend on how much it just seemed like another technological advance.

I guess my questions here are part of my 'reaction' so may be helpful to you in themselves.

 

I wouldn't be shocked, but I would be concerned about the people who could use magic. Would they be able to control it and what use would they use it for?

 

Since you asked me so nicely in the chatroom ...

My response would be, "It's about damn time they recognized it!"

Really, magic is just a technology we don't understand yet, whether it's a technology of mechanics, physics, the mind, or even the soul.

If you want more, there's a TV series called "the 4,400" that deals with supernatural humans. There's even a thread in the Sensorium about the show if you want to check it out.

 

Well, being always convinced magic existed, the obvious questions would be "What exactly is the magic capable of, what feats would be possible through it" and also "What magic related races exist" leading into a more profound look at how much of the legends/tales is based on true magicrelated facts and what is pure nonsense in them.

Afterwards, maybe the thoughts would occur about how far the magic is still present in this world and spread around the globe. What are it's rules, could I get involved in it, and even would/should I get involved. (if my discovery hadn't involved me already)

Of course, the most important question that would come to me, but in due time, would be, have dragons ever existed and do they still exist.

 

I agree with all the above. I don't think I would be suprised as science discovers new things all the time.

would love to learn it. Would be concerned about the use. How it could be governed. How kept from being used for evil purposes.

Where's the school? Enroll me quick.

 

Well, as a Christian, I'd probably freak out, then as a fantasy fan be seriously tempted to try it.

Then I'd feel guilty.

 

Daie, please elaborate on the Christian aspects further. What would you want/need to feel comfortable with magic returning to the world as something not evil or sinful?

Another twist... the evidence isn't something that you find independently, it's shown to you by a person. What questions might you have for this person?

 

Daie, please elaborate on the Christian aspects further. What would you want/need to feel comfortable with magic returning to the world as something not evil or sinful?

Another twist... the evidence isn't something that you find independently, it's shown to you by a person. What questions might you have for this person?


Well, it would seem to me that since the magic might not necessarily come from God, that the teachings of Christianity would show it to be evil, and probably satanic. That is what would make me uncomfortable.

I suppose, to make me comfortable I would have to know that the Church (Protestant AND Catholic) didn't condemn it, I would probably have to be convinced, find no evil purpose for it, and I'd probably need some time to get over the idea.

And I'm not the strongest of Christians, so I imagine others might need more.

The kind of clerical magic of D&D would be...interesting.

If someone showed me it, I would probably lose much trust in that person. It really depends who showed me.

One of my teenage buddies- I run a mile.
Someone who I have absolute trust in- I'd think about it more
Someone extremely religious (Archbishop of Canturbury forex)- I'd be weirded out, but more inclined to trust them.

EDIT: And, I can see it being abused by some zealot to go on a crusade. Can you imagine that? That would scare me. The only defence would be to learn it yourself. SO we now get an arms race with magic. Government control would have to be implemented etc etc.

I would like to have magic though. That would be cool.

[ January 11, 2006, 21:16: Message edited by: Daie d'Malkin ]

 

As a physicist/mathematician I'd be fascinated questions would be along the lines
1. What is the source
2. What laws govern magic e.g. in physicsa there are 4 primary forces gravity, electomagnetic force, strong nuclear force and weak nuclear force are there similar forces in magic
3. what are the components of a spell and how is strength governed
4. Other than ones own morality what are the restraints
5. Can anybody pratice it or is it genetic in origin of use
6. Other than violence what are its practical uses

That'll do for starters

 

What do you mean by "returning"? Are we saying that there used to be magic once before?

 

Oooh, I'm caught by my own semantics! Yes, HB, my premise for this story has been all along that there once was magic in the world but it faded away. I make a few speculations as to why but since it's not really part of the story I don't go into detail - but maybe I should... hmmm... That gives me an idea...

 

I'd attempt to gain/use it by pretty much whatever means (if such a thing was possible). So naturally I'd ask the person showing me this how to do it, for starters.

 

Rally as a suggestion the magic went away as a result of the Sidhe leaving and the last magician (Michael Scott real person who is supposedly the last great magician according to legend and the vatican) locking the door, perhaps the lock breaks and the Sidhe return.

 

Thanks, DS, but I've already got my premise for where it went and how it came back. Actually I'm 46K words into this now, so I think I've gone beyond the status of a mere premise! However, I think I'll be looking for more info about this Michael Scott guy, who I'd never heard of - thanks for the tip.

 

I think I would react differently depending on the type of magic you were considering to use, Rally. For instance, I'd freak out if a friend could cause fire to dance to a tune, but I'd get over and probably want to learn the how-to. On the other hand, I'd be terrified and looking for a ticket out of this world if s/he was summoning demons.

Out of curiosity, have you defined what type of magic will it be? Elemental control? Enchantments and curses? Dark rituals and spirit summoning? Psychic-related powers?