Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour Marcel Mauss's A General Theory of Magic
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Oct 19, 2024 Dive into the fascinating world of Marcel Mauss's theories, where magic intertwines with contemporary thought and collective beliefs. The discussion reveals how magic connects with religion and technology, exploring their historical interactions. Delve into the 'magical black person' trope and its ties to societal constructs, alongside philosophical insights on sacrifice and identity. Plus, discover the alchemical relationship between magic, technology, and myth, as well as the evolution of totemic traditions in storytelling. It's a captivating exploration of the magical underpinnings of our culture!
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Magic's Lingering Influence
- Modern thinking is still influenced by magical origins, including ideas of luck and causation.
- These influences can be traced back to early collective representations.
Mauss's Name Change
- Marcel Mauss, originally "Maus", added an "s" upon moving to France and adopted the French pronunciation.
- This was to avoid association with the animal "mouse".
The Collective Nature of Magic
- Magic, like sacrifice, has a collective aspect rather than being solely individual.
- This challenges the image of magic as belonging to isolated figures like Gandalf.