OT: Can there be Magic?

[tex23236]

No: HPFGUIDX 34414

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "boyblue_mn" <boyblue_mn at y...> wrote:
 
> Can there be Magic?
> 
> -Can there be Magic space like Diagon Alley?
> -Can there be Magic itself; magic forces or energy?

Arthur Clarke said something like: "A sufficiently advanced 
technology is indistiguisable from Magic." I like Lazurus Long
better: 
"Magic is technology you don't inderstand."

My own definition of magic is "real" results from symbolic actions.
The incantations, wand-waving, potions, herbs, etc., are symbols that
(in the Potterverse) cause real events. Clicking a mouse on an icon
causes physical results in your computer, too.  The difference is
that, with the computer, we, or somebody, knows all the chain of 
causes and effects that results in the event.  JKR doesn't explain
all the chain of magic in the Potterverse.  So we call it magic.  If we 
knew, or even had a vague notion of how JKR's magic worked, it 
would be technology; and HP would be science fiction, not fantasy.

Physically, "Wizard Space" is mathematically possible. Diagaon Alley, 
the tents at WTC, Moody's trunk, would be a bubble in the space/time 
continuum, and would work just fine.

Quantum Theory; and especially Quantum Speculation about the 
human brain, opens all kinds opportunities for magic-like effects.
We don't hear much about what kinds of mental states witches and 
wizards have to put their minds into when casting a spell, beyond 
"Think happy thoughts," or "Visualize something funny," for 
Patronum or Ridiklus.  But I suspect there is a mental process for
each kind of spell, which requires a lot of attention from the spell
caster.

Transfiguration and conjuring also requre a lot of physical energy.
Crouch/Moody had to dispose of the difference in mass between 
Malfoy as brat and Malfoy as ferret. That difference would release
the energy of several thermonuclear bombs.  Then he has to recover 
that energy to change him back to a brat.  A werewolf would 
have to come up with a lot of energey every month, even if man and
wolf had about the same mass.  Wormtail and Prongs would have to
account for even more, to account for the mass difference. For what 
it's worth, Nasa is investigating "Zero Point Energy."

All in all, I think we would best serve ourselves by assuming the 
Potterverse magic is impossible and unexplainable, even if, in our
hearts, we know it's real.

Tex