Magic

FROM VOL. 38 Erik Davis describes his research on how humans’ fascination with technology is permeated with “mythic energy” and gnostic aspirations. (11 minutes)

FROM VOL. 85 Catherine Albanese describes the varieties of "metaphysical religion" popular in early American history and draws connections with the more recent New Age movement. (14 minutes)

Philosopher Paul Tyson illustrates features of daily life that science cannot “see,” such as love, friendship, justice, and hope, and argues that such things are nonetheless real. (20 minutes)

Anna Maria Mendell describes how fairy stories can use the device of magic to call attention to the real nature of things. (13 minutes)

Alan Jacobs and Mark Shea defend the portrayal of magic in the Harry Potter books.

FEATURED GUESTS: Joseph Epstein, John Gray, Kenneth R. Craycraft, Jr., William T. Pizzi, Pamela Walker Laird, Albert Borgmann, Neal Stephenson, and Alan Jacobs