if magick is real, should there be law governing how it can be practiced? — Bret Bernhoft
Aleister Crowley once defined magick as, "The science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will." — Bret Bernhoft
I don’t understand the regulation question. The only Crowley quote I had ever heard was “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.” — Srap Tasmaner
No. (Second question is n/a.)Is magick real? — Bret Bernhoft
"[M]agic" is a fiat schema (ideation sans mechanism) rather than a causal schema (mechanism). — 180 Proof
:point: :sparkle:"Results" are just ex post facto rationalizations ... as every good stage magician will tell you. — 180 Proof
I am sure that if magick were a feature of current society it would be regulated, just as everyhing else, but it brings its own special problems. First we would need to know if the use of magick is detectable.
For instance clairvoyance or mind reading might contravene rights to privacy if practices, but if it can be done undetected we will have a problem with reinforcing norms against practicing it. I guess there will be information campagns informing the clairvoyant about how to practice their skill ethically. If it can be detected the authorities might well outlaw the practice of magic and reserve it for professionals who have had an education in its use, but ban it for everyone else. — Tobias
MISUSE OF MAGIC
The Galifar Code of Justice includes strict guidelines for the use of magic, as laid down by the Arcane Congress in ages past. These include the following:
Use of any spell that can inflict physical harm on another being—from magic missile to finger of death—is considered to be armed assault. This includes spells that permanently incapacitate a target, such as flesh to stone. Careless use of fire magic is treated especially harshly, due to the significant threat of property damage. If a summon spell conjures a dangerous creature that harms another person, the conjurer is liable for the actions of the beast.
Spells that incapacitate a target—such as sleep— are treated as simple assault.
Spells that tamper with the thoughts of another being—charm person, suggestion, fear—are considered to be a form of fraud.
There are also a few more obscure laws. House Ghallanda has the sole right to make use of heroes’ feast or Leomund’s secure shelter within the city limits. Rope trick and Leomund’s tiny hut can only be used in private rooms. Knock can only be used by or on behalf of the legal owner of the locked item.
The problem with magical crimes is that the burden of proof falls on the accuser. Can she prove that she was charmed? The Blackened Book only investigates high-profile cases that have resulted in major damages. Otherwise, if spell use cannot be proven, the crime is not prosecuted. The forces of the law are authorized to use any form of magic in pursuit of their duties.
An infamous occultist named Aleister Crowley once defined magick as, "The science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will." Which is a definition many Pagans rely on to this day. So, generally speaking, we will also use this definition herein. — Bret Bernhoft
qualify as an example of someone who uses magick?summoning wild animals — Tobias
I suppose if the causal connection between the person's will, and the occurrence could be established, then the person is legally responsible. But doesn't "magic" imply that the causal connection remains hidden? So I think "magick" is an oxymoron. You are saying that the person is necessarily the cause, in a situation where there is no evidence to conclude that the person is necessarily the cause. And the legal issue you raise is just a sham, because you are asking if the person ought to be held responsible in a situation where the person cannot be proven to be responsible. Of course that is a non-starter. — Metaphysician Undercover
The forces of the law are authorized to use any form of magic in pursuit of their duties.
Tobias is a plant for the council of Sharn confirmed. — fdrake
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