-18%

Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural — Ceremonial Magic

Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural — photo 1

Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural — photo 2

Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural — photo 3

📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

⚜️ Ceremonial Magic −18%

Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural

Name: Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural
Price: 200.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781138591349

✍️ Subbotsky, Eugene

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$200.00 ~~$244.00~~ Save $44.00 (18%)

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Delve into the fascinating interplay between the rational and the mystical in this insightful psychological examination. Dr. Subbotsky illuminates how deeply embedded "magical thinking" influences our daily lives, from popular culture to personal belief systems. Through rigorous experimental research, he posits that human consciousness itself often derives from our engagement with the supernatural, suggesting that fundamental psychological processes like emotions and attitudes operate according to principles akin to magic. This work offers a compelling bridge between scientific inquiry and ancient wisdom, revealing the profound impact of belief on our inner and outer worlds.

Subbotsky, Eugene

📚 all books by this author (2) →

⚜️

Ceremonial Magic

🏛 Routledge 📅 2018 📖 226 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781138591349

Fun Fact

Dr. Subbotsky's "Science and Magic in the Modern World" offers a genuinely unique and academically robust perspective on an often-misunderstood subject. Its strength lies in synthesizing cognitive psychology with an open-minded examination of the supernatural's psychological impact. While it might disappoint those seeking practical occult instruction or a dismissal of mystical phenomena, it excels in challenging conventional boundaries, making it essential reading for anyone interested in the complex interplay of mind, belief, and the seemingly inexplicable.

📝 Description: Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural

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.

📑 What's inside

Preface
Introduction [1][2]
Part I. Magic in the Mind
Chapter 1. The Magic Crystal of Rene Magritte: Art as a Window in the Supernatural
Chapter 2. The Invisible reality: Consciousness as a Gaze in the Magical World
Chapter 3. The Barrier for Robots. Subjective Experience as a Magical Phenomenon
Part II. The Supernatural in Science and Religion
Chapter 4. Miracles in Law: Magical Underpinning of Physical Universe
Chapter 5. The Pull of Eternity: Hope for Immortality as the Belief in the
Supernatural
Chapter 6. Religion and the Belief in the Supernatural
Part III. Magical thinking in Politics, Economics and Education
Chapter 7. Under the Spell: The Case of Russia
Chapter 8. Watching the Impossible: Educational Effects of Magical Thinking
Chapter 9. Games with the Supernatural: Magical Reality in Everyday Life
Epilogue: Imagining the Unimaginable
Bibliography

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Subbotsky delivers a compelling, research-driven analysis that challenges conventional boundaries between science and magic. However, this work is not suited for casual readers seeking practical spell-casting instructions or purely philosophical musing. It demands attention to experimental psychology and may alienate those expecting traditional ceremonial magic content. The dense academic tone requires patience, making it less accessible to beginners in occultism who prefer narrative-driven histories over psychological case studies. Those looking for straightforward spiritual guidance will likely find the clinical focus on 'magical thinking' too detached from lived mystical experience.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply invested in understanding the psychological underpinnings of occult practice will find this text invaluable. It appeals to those seeking a rigorous, evidence-based exploration of how 'magical thinking' permeates daily existence, from pop culture to personal belief systems. Individuals curious about the empirical validity of supernatural experiences and their role in shaping consciousness will appreciate the bridge built between scientific methodology and mystical intuition. This book is essential for anyone wishing to comprehend the profound impact of belief on both inner emotional landscapes and outer realities, offering a sophisticated perspective on the rational-mystical interplay without resorting to dogma.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the psychological roots of belief, curious about how the supernatural influences the modern mind, or seeking a unique perspective on consciousness and cognition, this profound book is for you. It offers a bridge between science and the esoteric.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Subbotsky delivers a compelling, research-driven analysis that challenges conventional boundaries between science and magic. However, this work is not suited for casual readers seeking practical spell-casting instructions or purely philosophical musing. It demands attention to experimental psychology and may alienate those expecting traditional ceremonial magic content. The dense academic tone requires patience, making it less accessible to beginners in occultism who prefer narrative-driven histories over psychological case studies. Those looking for straightforward spiritual guidance will likely find the clinical focus on 'magical thinking' too detached from lived mystical experience.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this book is a rigorous academic and psychological exploration of "magical thinking" as a cognitive phenomenon, analyzing its presence and effects, not a manual for magical practice or spellcraft.

On the contrary, Subbotsky meticulously analyzes how supernatural beliefs psychologically operate and profoundly shape human consciousness, focusing on their internal reality and impact without necessarily validating or invalidating their objective existence.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Magical Thinking's Daily Grip

This book meticulously unpacks how magical thought patterns are not just historical curiosities but active components of contemporary cognition. It explores the subtle ways these unconscious beliefs influence our choices, perceptions, and interactions within modern society, bridging ancient superstitions with today's cultural narratives, and demonstrating their pervasive, often unseen, influence.

Consciousness and the Supernatural

Subbotsky presents a groundbreaking argument that our very sense of self and our psychological makeup are intrinsically linked to supernatural beliefs. He demonstrates through experimental evidence how our emotional responses and attitudes often align with the logic traditionally associated with magic, fundamentally altering our understanding of the human mind's origins and operations.

Synthesis of Science and Spirit

Far from dismissing either realm, the text masterfully weaves together scientific understanding of natural phenomena with the perceived 'magic' of the supernatural. It investigates how integrating these perspectives, even touching upon AI and psychological disorders, can unexpectedly boost creativity and refine cognitive capabilities, fostering a holistic view of human potential and experience.

📜 Historical context

This work stands firmly within a tradition exploring the psychological underpinnings of belief, echoing Jungian concepts of the collective unconscious and cultural anthropological studies of ritual. It updates these inquiries with contemporary cognitive science, placing itself alongside modern philosophical and psychological texts that challenge the strict dichotomy between scientific rationalism and esoteric experience, offering a timely contribution to the field.

📚 Glossary

Magical Thinking
Cognitive Science
Supernatural

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a time when you experienced or observed what you might call "magical thinking" in your own life or in popular culture. How did it manifest?
Considering the book's premise, in what ways might your own feelings or attitudes be shaped by unconscious supernatural beliefs, even if you identify as rational?
How might a deeper engagement with the psychological reality of magical thinking enhance your creativity or problem-solving skills in unexpected ways?