User:Charlie/Thesis Outline: Difference between revisions

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=== <u><big>Chapter #1 ✧ What is Magic?</big></u> ===
=== <u><big>Chapter #1 ✧ What is Magic?</big></u> ===
The introductory chapter will take the shape of a short literature review of relevant (re)sources and selected material to narrow down my research questions within a defined scope and context relevant to its application in my graduation project and my personal positioning. Which will shape the foundation of the following chapters.  
The first chapter will be an introductory chapter into differing understandings of Magic and art as interconnected practices. 
This connection between the two will be defined through relevant sources and references (such as ++❎❎❎) from more general historic examples up to contemporary perspectives. Comparing and reflecting on different definitions and theories on Magic will help to better analyse varying examples of magic-artistic methods discussed in greater detail in chapter two, as well as create the grounds for my personal definition and position in the field.




It goes without saying that encapsulating the entirety of Magic, nor art, as a concept within a thesis is impossible. So to enter this thesis, it feels important to begin with a comprehensive outline of the many concepts and terms it will discuss. Both as a way to investigate various definitions, ideas and understandings of Magic, and other connected topics, to understand its wider context and the more systematized approach I will explore in chapter 2 and 3, as well as the graduation project.
❎❎❎Chapter one will also further outline the aim and purpose of the thesis and establish the link to my graduation project
-> + idea of framework, protocols, art practice

 
To illustrate the more general and overarching terms and concepts, the second part of this first chapter will cover a range of examples of magic practices and rituals which contain significant aspects of artistic expression or have a notable link to artistic practices, movements or the like. (+examples)
 
(+argument for Magic as a mode of thinking/system of thought/reasoning)


=== <u><big>Chapter #2 ✧ Magic (in) Systems</big></u> ===
=== <u><big>Chapter #2 ✧ Magic (in) Systems</big></u> ===
~ Humans and Magic, in its many forms throughout history, have been in an ever-fluctuating relationship — Between public(-ly accepted) displays of worship or condemned to the margins of private devotion. ~   
~ Humans and Magic, in its many forms throughout history, have been in an ever-fluctuating relationship — Between public(-ly accepted) displays of worship or condemned to the margins of private devotion. ~   


No system of thought can be entirely separated from the larger systems in which it exists in. As such, every form of Magic may always be viewed in relation to the historical context in which it emerged from, its material culture, artistic expressions and the socio-cultural and political environments that shape/worship/practice/distrust/reject/deny it.    
No system of thought can be entirely separated from the larger systems in which it exists in. ❎❎❎    
 
Chapter two is a more detailed continuation of the latter part of the first chapter, offering more in-depth reflections on previous examples and additional references.


Whereas the previous chapter centered around Magic in its more conceptual aspect and individual practices, the second chapter will mostly concern itself with placing and analyzing Magic within a wider context. Including ancient Magic practices, but mostly focusing on relevant examples from recent history and contemporary practices.  
The second chapter will take a closer look at textual and artistic examples that lay at the intersection of art and magic, magic through art (❎❎❎+ examples). 
Through the analysis of these references, I may reflect and extrapolate elements to be adapted in my material research and project. And how they may inform the construction of experimental frameworks.

As such, chapter two will lay the groundworks for the theoretical research employed in the protocols for Magic prototypes as I work towards a final form.


(Interconnected view of magic and expression/art)
❎❎❎


=== <u><big>Chapter #3 ✧ Protocols for Magic</big></u> ===
=== <u><big>Chapter #3 ✧ Protocols for Magic</big></u> ===
With the insights gathered previously, chapter three will turn to a more methodical approach to Magic as a mode of thinking within an artistic practice.
The third chapter will first reflect on the main take-aways of the previous two chapters and summarise how it informed my project up to this point. Following this, chapter three will take on a more back-and-forth approach to project and thesis, elaborate and reflect on my findings and evaluate the process and following steps. 
This chapter aims to put into final textual form all research I may reference in my project process. As well as explain my future plans and perceived limitations past the thesis deadline.  
 
As a framework for this approach, I will utilize the literary concept of Magic systems, the constructed "rules, limitations, and abilities that define the magic"<ref>C.R. Rowenson, "What Is a Magic System?" (https://crrowenson.com/magic-systems/what-is-a-magic-system/)</ref> within a fictional world. In other words, attempt to categorize and draw parallels between elements of existing Magic practices and external circumstances/greater systems of influence into a framework of internal logic within Magic systems.  


It feels important to mention that this part of the thesis may seem reductionist towards or devaluing existing Magic belief systems, but that is not my intention. As part of my greater attempt to explore new potential frameworks for Magic practices through art ("Protocols for Magic"); I want this method of categorization to act more like a distillation, rather than a reduction, into building-blocks for a vast array of new symbols, associations and modules able to be used within my graduation project.
❎❎❎


=== <u><big>Chapter #4 ✧...</big></u> ===
=== <u><big>Chapter #4 ✧...</big></u> ===
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<div style="color: maroon; text-align:justify;width:100%;">✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧</div>
<div style="color: maroon; text-align:justify;width:100%;">✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧</div>


Disclaimer: All em dashes in this text have been human-generated. (We can't let the robots claim our dashes!)
= <span style="font-family:cursive;">References ✼ Bibliography</span> =
<div style="font-family: cursive; text-align: justify;">‌
 
=== Magic History - Forms of Magic ===
1. C. Gosden, “Magic: A History: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present”
 
2. ❇️ DK, “A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult”
 
=== Magic Theory ===
1. J. Sutcliffe, “Magic”
-> “on magic's generative relationship with contemporary art practice”
 
2. ❇️ M. Mauss, “A General Theory On Magic”
 
3. ❇️ R. Dukes, “S.S.O.T.B.M.E. Revised - An Essay On Magic” 
-> Theoretical concept of Magic as “way of thinking
 
=== 
Magic in function and context ===
1. E. Bever, R. Styers, “Magic in the Modern World: Strategies of Repression and Legitimization”
-> Contemporary analysis of moder magic practices and its function in society
 
2. P. Stevens Jr., “Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human”
-> Anthropological theory on the function of Magic in the human mind throughout history
 
3. J. Sorensen, “A Cognitive Theory of Magic”
 
=== Magic and Art ===
1. ❇️ S. Bellisario, “Contemporary Visions: Refiguring The Esoteric; The Transformational Act of “Making” Magic” 
-> Intersection of art and magic, symbolic value of artistic practice with the purpose of magic
 
2. ❇️ A. Davies, “Art is Magic”
-> Intersection of art and magic, experience in a museum setting, contemporary art


3. ❇️ J. Gilhooly, “Enchanted Objects: Agency in the Magic and Contemporary Art Practice”
-> “Secular” Magic and the agency of art and magic in “Technologies of Enchantment”
4. ❇️ H. Cornish, “Sensing materiality in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic” 
-> Multi-modal experience/perception of magic practitioners in a Museum space

</div>
== <span style="font-family: cursive; font-size: 30px; color:white;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: maroon;">✼ Feedback & Reflections ✼</span> ==
== <span style="font-family: cursive; font-size: 30px; color:white;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 1px;-webkit-text-stroke-color: maroon;">✼ Feedback & Reflections ✼</span> ==
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
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* Add an updated reference list (references for each chapter) + synopsis
* Add an updated reference list (references for each chapter) + synopsis
* Art and aesthetic component to magic -> Proposal
* Art and aesthetic component to magic -> Proposal
</div>
= <span style="font-family:cursive;">References ✼ Bibliography</span> =
<div style="font-family: cursive; text-align: justify;">
# Dukes, R. (2000). '''SSOTBME Revised - an essay on magic''.', The Mouse That Spins, England. (ISBN: 1-903548-00-4)
# Dk (2020). ''<nowiki/>'History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult.''' Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Incorporated. (ISBN: 978-0-2413-8611-8)
# Nataf, A. (1990). ''<nowiki/>'Les Maîtres de l’occultisme''.' , France Loisirs, (ISBN: 978-2724250015) ‌  ‌
</div>
</div>

Revision as of 10:51, 26 October 2025

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Thesis Outline

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧


✧ Draft # 1✧

✼ Outline content ✼

  • Introduction
  • Key Issue/chapter 1
  • Key Issue/chapter 2
  • Key Issue/chapter 3
  • Conclusion
✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Introduction

- If magic isn't real, how do you explain ●▲◾️? -

This thesis investigates Magic as a system-of-thought within an artistic practice through three sequential contexts — Magic as a conceptual system, Magic in relation to other systems of thought and Magic through Protocol.

(may still needs personal motivation and wider context)

Key issues
  1. Define and contextualize and Magic as a mode of thinking, applicable to an artistic practice
  2. Define and position Magic (and art) as inherently linked to a wider systems
  3. Define and investigate the potential of Magic systems to practice Magic through art

Chapter #1 ✧ What is Magic?

The first chapter will be an introductory chapter into differing understandings of Magic and art as interconnected practices. 
This connection between the two will be defined through relevant sources and references (such as ++❎❎❎) from more general historic examples up to contemporary perspectives. Comparing and reflecting on different definitions and theories on Magic will help to better analyse varying examples of magic-artistic methods discussed in greater detail in chapter two, as well as create the grounds for my personal definition and position in the field.



❎❎❎Chapter one will also further outline the aim and purpose of the thesis and establish the link to my graduation project
-> + idea of framework, protocols, art practice


Chapter #2 ✧ Magic (in) Systems

~ Humans and Magic, in its many forms throughout history, have been in an ever-fluctuating relationship — Between public(-ly accepted) displays of worship or condemned to the margins of private devotion. ~

No system of thought can be entirely separated from the larger systems in which it exists in. ❎❎❎

The second chapter will take a closer look at textual and artistic examples that lay at the intersection of art and magic, magic through art (❎❎❎+ examples). 
Through the analysis of these references, I may reflect and extrapolate elements to be adapted in my material research and project. And how they may inform the construction of experimental frameworks.

As such, chapter two will lay the groundworks for the theoretical research employed in the protocols for Magic prototypes as I work towards a final form.

❎❎❎

Chapter #3 ✧ Protocols for Magic

The third chapter will first reflect on the main take-aways of the previous two chapters and summarise how it informed my project up to this point. Following this, chapter three will take on a more back-and-forth approach to project and thesis, elaborate and reflect on my findings and evaluate the process and following steps. 
This chapter aims to put into final textual form all research I may reference in my project process. As well as explain my future plans and perceived limitations past the thesis deadline.

❎❎❎

Chapter #4 ✧...

Conclusion

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

References ✼ Bibliography

Magic History - Forms of Magic

1. C. Gosden, “Magic: A History: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present”

2. ❇️ DK, “A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult”

Magic Theory

1. J. Sutcliffe, “Magic”
-> “on magic's generative relationship with contemporary art practice”

2. ❇️ M. Mauss, “A General Theory On Magic”

3. ❇️ R. Dukes, “S.S.O.T.B.M.E. Revised - An Essay On Magic” 
-> Theoretical concept of Magic as “way of thinking


Magic in function and context

1. E. Bever, R. Styers, “Magic in the Modern World: Strategies of Repression and Legitimization”
-> Contemporary analysis of moder magic practices and its function in society

2. P. Stevens Jr., “Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human”
-> Anthropological theory on the function of Magic in the human mind throughout history

3. J. Sorensen, “A Cognitive Theory of Magic”

Magic and Art

1. ❇️ S. Bellisario, “Contemporary Visions: Refiguring The Esoteric; The Transformational Act of “Making” Magic” 
-> Intersection of art and magic, symbolic value of artistic practice with the purpose of magic

2. ❇️ A. Davies, “Art is Magic”
-> Intersection of art and magic, experience in a museum setting, contemporary art

3. ❇️ J. Gilhooly, “Enchanted Objects: Agency in the Magic and Contemporary Art Practice”
-> “Secular” Magic and the agency of art and magic in “Technologies of Enchantment”

4. ❇️ H. Cornish, “Sensing materiality in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic” 
-> Multi-modal experience/perception of magic practitioners in a Museum space


✼ Feedback & Reflections ✼

Feedback session - 16th October w/ Lexie & Wyn
  • Clear and concise plan
  • Picture of prototype helped -> Visual examples may be important
  • Link between Thesis and Project is very clear but a clearer description of the project could be included in the protocols chapter
  • Timetable seems chaotic/ like it needs revision
  • Wider context could benefit from contemporary examples of Magic practices, and comparisons to past practices
  • To think about: How do aesthetic components come into the idea of magic and the occult?
Feedback session - 16th October w/ Lidia
  • Be more precise in the aspect of magic I want to investigate -> Narrow down
  • What is the intervention/goal of the project
  • Magic>Art -> Art>Magic = Shift the focus
  • -> own perspective on the link between magic and art -> elaborate my intentions
  • Make the abstract connection in my mind more explicit to the outside/reader
  • Through narrowing down the subject -> Key points will fall naturally into a hierarchy -> Which will help pin-point the core of the project
  • Expand on the wider context

✼ Plans & Next steps ✼

  • Define my perspective on how art connects to magic
  • Shift focus to the core of what I want to investigate
  • Elaborate on link between magic and art + examples
  • Add concrete examples and partial segments of the final outline + sources (all chapters)
  • Elaborate on the link between thesis and proposal, especially in chapter 3 on protocols
  • Add an updated reference list (references for each chapter) + synopsis
  • Art and aesthetic component to magic -> Proposal