computers, magic and complex logic

[Heather Moore]

No: HPFGUIDX 29591

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Joanne0012 at a... wrote:
> --- 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.

 Continuing the Quodpot/Quidditch schtick, I find myself suspecting that the more maverick American wizarding culture is more in step with and infatuated with technology, contrasting the more ecologically-minded European magickal community. It will be fun to see if we get our rumored American connections in the upcoming books.