1. MAGIC/SCIENCE

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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%

8. 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%