Blog 8: The Connection between Magic and Modern Science

Being a Biology major, I am always looking for science in everything. The interconnectedness of science, magic, and witchcraft is something that we have explored in great depth throughout this class. Starting with the creation of alchemy in A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult and most recently with our discussion of renowned scientist, Ben Franklin, we have investigated the many different aspects of science throughout the history and background of modern science. Therefore, I wanted to further research this connection and, in doing so, I found an interesting article 


The article explores the connection between modern science and European magic, emphasizing the significant influence that the tradition of natural magic had on the development of science and medicine. The author, John Henry, asserts that magic was crucial in the origins of modern science, particularly during the late 16th and 17th centuries, known as the Scientific Revolution. Natural magic, which is another subject we have discussed in this course, is based on the belief in an interconnected world created by God, allowing magicians to discover occult correspondences and powers within nature.

This tradition inspired the empirical approach adopted by leading thinkers of the Scientific Revolution, such as Isaac Newton. They embraced the experimental method to investigate nature and discovered occult qualities that defied existing natural philosophy and medical theories. Newton's work on gravity exemplified the fruitfulness of these notions.

Over time, the new philosophers distanced themselves from the natural-magic tradition, yet they had already benefited significantly from its insights. Despite the disapproval of magic, history reveals that science and medicine owe much of their advancement to the knowledge derived from natural magic, as it provided the foundation for experimental research and pragmatic applications in both fields.



My research into this connection has been both eye-opening and intellectually enriching. The interplay between modern science and natural magic reveals a multifaceted history that has shaped our understanding of the world in profound ways. This course has provided me with the opportunity to delve deeper into these historical nuances, examining the role of magic and occult forces in shaping scientific inquiry and progress.


Article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(99)90366-5/fulltext

 


Comments

  1. williams.dan76April 24, 2024 at 12:54 PM

    Thanks for alerting me to this article. I tried to download for future use but could not get access. But it's a great piece. I had wanted to ask you a question yesterday similar to this topic--modern science and witchcraft. 400 years ago witches were accused for being their culture's pathogens. You did a great, impressive job yesterday.

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