ABSTRACT

Science and Magic in the Modern World is a unique text that explores the role of magical thinking in everyday life. It provides an excellent psychological look at the subconscious belief in magic in both popular culture and society, as well as experimental research that considers human consciousness as a derivative of belief in the supernatural, thus showing that our feelings, emotions, attitudes and other psychological processes follow the laws of magic.

This book synthesises the science of ‘natural’ phenomena and the magic of the ‘supernatural’ to present an interesting look at the juxtaposition of the inner and outer selves. Fusing research into psychological disorders, subconscious feelings, as well as the rising presence of artificial intelligence, this book demonstrates how an engagement with magical thinking can enhance one’s creativity and cognitive skills.

Science and Magic in the Modern World is an invaluable resource for those studying consciousness, as well as those looking at the effect of magical thinking on religion, politics, science and society.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

part I|2 pages

Magic in the mind

chapter 1|17 pages

The magic crystal of RenÉ Magritte

Art as a window onto the supernatural

chapter 2|20 pages

The invisible reality

Consciousness as a gaze into the magical world

chapter 3|25 pages

The barrier for robots

Subjective experience as a magical phenomenon

part II|2 pages

The supernatural in science and religion

chapter 4|25 pages

Miracles in law

Magical underpinnings of the physical universe

chapter 5|17 pages

The pull of eternity

Hope for immortality as a belief in the supernatural

chapter 6|26 pages

Religion and belief in the supernatural

part III|2 pages

Magical thinking in politics, economics and education

chapter 7|20 pages

Under the spell

The case of Russia

chapter 8|14 pages

Watching the impossible

Educational effects of magical thinking

chapter 9|19 pages

Games with the supernatural

Magical reality in everyday life

chapter |4 pages

Epilogue: imagining the unimaginable