Do You Believe in Magic?

[Umbran]

From the American Heritage Dictionary:

mag·ic n. The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural.

circular definition see "definition, circular". Until such time as "the supernatural" is defined, this is using an undefined term to define another term. That's not getting you very far.

Note that some of the physical laws we now understand were, at one time, considered "supernatural".

 

[Relique du Madde]

Does that mean until we let you out of your box, your answer might be "yes" or "no?"

But that is assuming that I, the box, magic, and my answer to the question if magic exists even exists are mutually defendant on the other's existence. For all I know, if I say "yes" magic might not actually exist, but if I say no might might exist. But what if there's some kind of paradox where I know magic exists but it doesn't?
[/freak out]

I believe that would actually make it "yes" AND "no" at the same time .

Or it could be neither of the choices at the same time.

 

[frankthedm]

While I'll have my doubts about any individual who claims to be able to perform actual magic, I do not discount what is defined as the "supernatural"'s existence nor it's potential influences.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I believe in miracles. Does that count as a yes?

 

[Blackrat]

I believe in miracles. Does that count as a yes?

Nah, you've just listened too much Tom Jones . Cheers Bro

 

[WhatGravitas]

No. Because if I require to believe in it... I doubt it.

Cheers, LT.

 

[CleverNickName]

circular definition see "definition, circular". Until such time as "the supernatural" is defined, this is using an undefined term to define another term. That's not getting you very far.

Note that some of the physical laws we now understand were, at one time, considered "supernatural".

Hmm...you are absolutely right. As written, calculus would be considered a form of "magic" to someone who never took a math class (since it is an "art" which can be used to predict certain forces of nature. Weather patterns, for example.)

Tell you what: let's narrow the focus a bit, and pick a definition of the word "supernatural" for the purpose of this poll. From Dictionary.com:

su·per·nat·u·ral adj. Of, pertaining to, or being above or beyond what is natural; unexplainable by natural law or phenomena; abnormal.

So let's assume that "supernatural" is something that could never be explained scientifically, even if our knowledge of the physical world were perfect and infinite. Does that help?

 

[Ranger REG]

Hmm...you are absolutely right. As written, calculus would be considered a form of "magic" to someone who never took a math class (since it is an "art" which can be used to predict certain forces of nature. Weather patterns, for example.)

Tell you what: let's narrow the focus a bit, and pick a definition of the word "supernatural" for the purpose of this poll. From Dictionary.com:

su·per·nat·u·ral adj. Of, pertaining to, or being above or beyond what is natural; unexplainable by natural law or phenomena; abnormal.

So let's assume that "supernatural" is something that could never be explained scientifically, even if our knowledge of the physical world were perfect and infinite. Does that help?

Well, it's one thing to explain it. You still need to test it out to prove it is not supernatural.

I've often wonder about ... for lack of a better term ... the human psyche. If one were to be encountered with a supernatural phenomenon, would you try to disbelieve and rationalize what you saw, or would you believe for what it is you saw before you, at the risk of damaging your sanity?

 

[Orius]

No, I am a complete skeptic WRT the supernatural.

Remember, sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

 

[Ranger REG]

No, I am a complete skeptic WRT the supernatural.

Keep saying that, and you might believe it.