MAGIC/SCIENCE

ANCIENT SCIENCE theory over application observable events explained in terms of non-observables (arkhê, aitia) effects produced by manipulating non-observables deterministic causal network impersonal idiom (dynameis) language neutral, descriptive use of analogy to illustrate techniques performed by neutral agent public knowledge, openness to criticism failure results from (1) faulty theory, (2) flawed implementation or experimentation acknowledged (if poorly understood) by society at large

ANCIENT SCIENCE ANCIENT MAGIC theory over application practice over theory observable events explained in terms of non-observables (arkhê, aitia) observable events explained in terms of non-observables effects produced by manipulating non-observables deterministic causal network impersonal idiom (dynameis) mixed idiom: personal (daimon) and impersonal (dynameis) language neutral, descriptive language active, efficacious, creative use of analogy to illustrate use of analogy to effect change techniques performed by neutral agent techniques performed by involved agent public knowledge, openness to criticism private (often “banned”) knowledge failure results from (1) faulty theory, (2) flawed implementation or experimentation failure results from (1) flawed implementation, (2) counter-magic, (3) character of agent, (4) chance acknowledged (if poorly understood) by society at large

magos wise man, healer, purifier, cult priest, diviner, magician, quack mageia magic, deception goês charmer, diviner, sorcerer, quack goêteia spell-casting, enchantment, deception thelxis enchantment, (sexual) seduction, enslavement thaumatourgia wonder-working, miracle-working

Science/Magic/Religion observation coercion prayer neutrality impiety piety publicity privacy centrality marginality openness deception

Papyri Graecae Magicae (PGM) • 2ndBCE - 5thCE • wide range of spells in Greek and Egyptian Demotic • motives both academic and practical

Aims in PGM AIM NUMBER/PERCENT Healing 109/21% Knowledge 102/20% Love 98/19% Injury 61/12% Miscellaneous 44/8.5% Success 42/8.2% Safety 22/4.3% = 84.8% Invocation 22/4.3% Service 7/1.4% Horoscopes and General Astrology 6/1.2%

Aims in PGM AIM NUMBER/PERCENT Healing 109/21% Knowledge 102/20% Love 98/19% Injury 61/12% Miscellaneous 44/8.5% Success 42/8.2% Safety 22/4.3% =52.5% Invocation 22/4.3% Service 7/1.4% Horoscopes and General Astrology 6/1.2%