Perspectives on Magic: Scientific views of theatrical magic

When people watch a magician create illusions, the question that is most pressing on their minds is: how did he do it?. This is not the only question that can be asked of a magic performance. A psychologist might ask why it is possible that the mind can be deceived, occupational therapists are interested in how performing magic tricks can help people with physical disabilities and sociologists research the subculture of magicians.

This book explores the questions that scholars from different fields of science have asked about the performances of magicians. For magicians this book provides new perspectives on their performance art. For people with a passive interest in magic, this book provides an insight into a quaint performance art that is normally surrounded in secrecy and clichés.

Table of Contents

1. Perspectives on Magic: What is magic?
2. Science and Magic: How does magic relate to science?
3. The Art of Magic: Is magic a performance art?
4. Magic Networks: What is it like to be a magician?
5. The History of Magic: What role did magicians play in the past?
6. The Power of Magic: What is the practical use of conjuring?
7. The Magic of Teaching: What can we learn from magicians?
8. The Deception of Magic: How can we be so easily deceived?
9. The Future of Magic: Will magic become obsolete?
10. Epilogue: What is the science of magic?