CLCS 38500 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Bayesian Network, Ophthalmia, Origin Myth
Document Summary
Magic/science: magic, religious, and science were not completely separate in the ancient world. Theory over application (more important to say what will happen than to cure a patient) Observable events explained in terms of non-observables (arkhe, aitia) Effects produced by manipulating non-observables (manipulating abstract basis for humors) Techniques performed by neutral agents (scientist doesn"t effect) Failure results from (1) faulty theory, (2) flawed implementation or experimentation. Practice over theory (product is the most important) Language active, effective, creative (a spell is a kind of discourse made to create change) Techniques performed by an involved agent (magician is part of process) Failure results from (1) flawed implementation, (2) counter-magic, (3) character of agent, (4) chance. Acknowledged (if poorly understood) by society at large. Marcellus: lizard with eyes gouged will heal poor eyesight (magical ophthalmia) Sacred disease: these doctors are charlatans, witch doctors (magoi) Thaumatourgia wise man, healer, purifier, cult priest, diviner, magician, quack.
