POLL: on real magic

Remove all ads!

@Hugo:
Scepticism is just fine; I only took offense to the tone of Darkthrone's post (whether intentional or not). Disbelieve if you must, but I'll not have anyone ridiculing the work I've dedicated my life to.

 

I still think the problem here is the definition of 'magic'. If you say that everything that we don't yet understand scientifically is 'magic' then of course 'magic' exists. There is more 'magic' than science. Gravity is 'magic', for example. If something like telepathy exists, then currently it is 'magic', but only until someone works out the nature of the particles or waves or whatever that are involved, then it would become science instead. Same with tarot cards, or spirits, or anything else like that.

Overall, the question is too vague and we are always going to end up arguing about it because we are looking at it from different view points. An example of a more specific question might be:
Can you accurately predict the future using only the information revealed by tarot cards?

 

Actually extra sensory perception and psychic prediction could be part of what I'm refering too. Mostly I am enquiring about the belief in "fantastic" things that happen that have no logical explanation.

For example: Finding or owning a particular object that is lucky or unlucky in a very real way.

Or using a concoction to change the events of one's life.

Or realizing that one is on an intended path that is tied with many other paths but is already preset.

 

Like a lottery ticket? Not much magical about that. Or a lucky charm? If you believe it works, then your subconscious mind will help you in powerful ways. I still wouldn't call that 'magic'.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_thinking

^ that might be worth a look.

Also: www.skepdic.com - lots of natural explainations to paranormal seeming events.

 

I've always been amazed at the magical influence garish robes possess; couple that with a well-meaning manipulation of shame and fear and you can make people believe anything!


@ Felinoid

Dude, you are full of it. You should stop soon as you might actually meet a girl who believes you.

 

@LNT:
And you're a bit too full of yourself if you think nothing abnormal can exist.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Disbelieve if you must, but insulting me will only get you one better.

 

@Felinoid: Sorry, please don't take it personally - after all we really do not know each other, right? But if you're sure of your powers, why don't you go and earn yourself a million dollars? Look here:

http://www.randi.org/research/index.html

Well, if I had your powers, I'd be rich now. Any excuses for not taking the challenge?

 

Just remember what Uncle Ben told Petey: "With great power comes great responsibility."

 

All that negative energy produced by the silly skeptic scientists' minds will no doubt interfere with the powers of the people aiming for a million dollars.

 

I believe in magic and always have. Will soon be in practice hopefully.

 

This got moved here (to a serious forum) for a reason - certain people take magic (however you define it) seriously. Picking on Felinoid for his beliefs doesn't make 'magic' any less real to him.

I find it odd that some want 'proof' of magic; be it telepathy or telekinesis or what have you. Does that mean if you cannot touch it or see it for yourself make it something you can disreguard?

 

@Darkthrone:
First I've heard of it. Someday, perhaps, but as I said, I'm a practicing esper. I still haven't worked all the kinks out, so the best I can do is ~90% on something as small as a pen. Besides, I don't have the money for such extravagances at the moment. All expenses would be paid by ME, and with the current (unacceptable) possibility of failure, it's not worth the risk just yet. In the future, though...

@LNT:
I didn't say it was a great power. The best I've been able to do is moving a (small) chair or (normal hollow) door a couple of inches. Certainly no tactical applications ... yet.

 

its not called being small minded, its called being a realist, magic is only magic if you dont understand it, then it becomes fact.

isnt an esper a magical being from squaresoft games?

 

OK Felinoid, whatever you do, never say another word of this to anyone!

How close do you live to a casino with a roulette table?

Once the casino kicks you out, sports gambling my friend! Just send me PM's letting me know which team you are going to help win. If at all possible, make it the Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, no, don't influence their games at all; I want their eventual (this year) Superbowl victory to be pure.

And by the way, once you master the telepathic mind-control portion, let me know: My girlfriend has this crazy notion that I can't date other woman (even lookers!), so it would be nice if you could influence her opinion; no matter how many movies we watch involving French people, it just seems to have no effect!

 

if we worked under that notion then we would have to walk around giving regard to everything from fiction ever created, simply because there's no proof it doesnt exist...
what a rediculous notion

 

Please, kuemper, I'm not picking on a belief anyone holds. I'm picking on a claim that concerns something very real and substantial. And no, I do not think that it is odd to verify or falsify a claim that is verifiable and falsifiable.

And I do believe in things I cannot touch or see. I believe in my brain, although I neither laid hand nor nor eye upon it.

 

I'm just curious Fel, does your technique involve any grunting or pulsing forehead veins? That would be cool...

 

Yes, but I think they got it from E.S.P.er, or one who uses E.S.P. I'm not sure about that, but it works.
Felinoid:
Dude, if your joking, that's enough. If you're not, people who mess with things like that generally meet very bad ends (insanity, 'cursed', etc.) I'd say get while the gettin's good.