computers, magic and complex logic

[Joanne0012 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 29529

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., frantyck at y... wrote:
> Hullo. Has anyone considered the possible parallels between the 
> design of complex spells and enchantments and computer programming?
. . . . 
> Consider Hermione's statement when she solves the potions puzzle in 
> PS/SS Ch.16 that "this isn't magic -- it's logic -- a puzzle. A lot 
> of the greatest wizards haven't got an ounce of logic, they'd be 
> stuck in here for ever." It initially bothered me about wizarding 
> education that there was limited scope for the analytically or 
> mathematically adept student. A bit like liberal arts combined with 
> vocational school.
> 
> In fact, any complex spell must require tremendous amounts of 
> logical thought and a case-by-case analysis of if-thens and the 
> like. Spells like those cast to protect the philosopher's stone, 
> certainly, but also spells that disguise magical objects from Muggle 
> eyes, that probably seal Hogwarts against enemies but not against 
> students and whatever other kind of wizard or witch who chooses to 
> arrive there.. . . 
> What are the implications for magic? Is magic not logical? Could it 
> be as Rowling usually shows it, fundamentally a matter of training 
> and focusing the natural magical 'talent' or ability that wizards 
> and witches have?
> 
> Is there a form of logic that could operate in the magical world 
> that retains our own understanding of sets and subsets and the 
> layering of problems, but without the structure of mathematics and 
> classical reasoning?
> 
> Is there a better way to approach this problem?
> 
> ("I'm not going to go into this much at the moment?" Pff...)

It would be wonderful to hear from board members who are well-informed 
about the history of science.  Remember, the science of chemistry has its 
roots in alchemy, which led to the development of the scientific method.  
Alchemy spilt off from scientific chemistry at just about the same time that 
the wizarding world went into hiding. In some sense, the wizarding world is 
stuck in the past and handicapped by its lack of discipline and logic, as further 
evidenced by the crudeness of its judiciary system, with its fondness for 
post-hoc-ergo-propter-hoc conclusions. We have to wonder how Dumbledore 
and Flamel went about identifying twelve uses for dragons' blood.