Towards a science of magic.

Full Abstract

It is argued here that cognitive science currently neglects an important source of insight into the human mind: the effects created by magicians. Over the centuries, magicians have learned how to perform acts that are perceived as defying the laws of nature, and that induce a strong sense of wonder. This article argues that the time has come to examine the scientific bases behind such phenomena, and to create a science of magic linked to relevant areas of cognitive science. Concrete examples are taken from three areas of magic: the ability to control attention, to distort perception, and to influence choice. It is shown how such knowledge can help develop new tools and indicate new avenues of research into human perception and cognition.

Author information

Author/s: Kuhn, Gustav (G); Amlani, Alym A (AA); Rensink, Ronald A (RA);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. gustav.kuhn(-atsign-)durham.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Trends in cognitive sciences (Trends Cogn Sci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Sep; vol 12 (issue 9) : pp 349-54

Dates: Created 2008/08/25; Completed 2008/10/21;

PMID: 18693130, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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