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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sir Whiskers" data-source="post: 926996" data-attributes="member: 6941">Doc, I agree that there is no reason to assume a priori that magic must retard technological development (or vice versa). I do take exception, however, with your comments on the magical printing press. Your comparison is only valid if we make certain assumptions.You say it "Wouldn't need as much maintenance..."Why? You're assuming a magic system that does not require regular maintenance of spells. What if spells weaken over time and require regular re-casting? What if spells require some source of power which must be recharged on a regular basis?"probably faster until you start to compare it with the really late model printing presses of this or the last century..."Why? What if the magical printing press is based on a spell which can copy an entire book, but only works once per day? It copies one book instantaneously, but a regular printing press could manufacture dozens, hundreds, or possibly thousands in one day."only needs one guy or gal to create one even if it is an extraordinary guy..."What if the magic system requires elaborate rituals to empower any permanent or independent spell effects? Ritual circles (composed of initiates, witches, mages, or whatever) are staples of literature."it's a much more easily perfectable technology than a non-magical one..."I'm not sure I follow this one. If we assume magic works according to certain universal principles, as science does, why is magic more easily perfectable? Wouldn't magic researchers be as liable to go down blind alleys as scientific researchers? For that matter, wouldn't they be as likely to oppose anything new or revolutionary (relativity and quantum mechanics come to mind)?"and it's undoubtably even easier to control than a normal printing press."Remember the skit in Disney's Fantasia 2000 where Mickey, as a wizard's apprentice, floods the place? Again, we're assuming that magic is for some reason easier than technology, but it depends on the specifics of the magic system. You'll note that I don't say that your observations are wrong, just that they make certain assumptions that may not be correct. As you suggest, "...find a theory for the scientific revolution that sounds appealing to you and work magic into it or out of it as suits your fancy." I agree completely: the prospective GM must first work out the basic principles of magic before he can determine its impact (or lack thereof) on technological development.</blockquote>

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