Magic in the Modern World: Strategies of Repression and Legitimization

This collection delves into the intricate relationship between magic and modern society, examining how beliefs in the supernatural persist alongside rational thought. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, the authors, Edward Bever and Randall Styers, analyze the strategies used to repress magical practices while also recognizing the ways in which they are legitimized in contemporary contexts.

By drawing on diverse cultural perspectives and historical frameworks, the contributors illuminate the ongoing tension between traditional magical practices and the dominant narratives of rationality. The work encourages readers to rethink their understanding of magic, challenging the binary distinctions of belief and skepticism that characterize modern discourse. Through these explorations, the authors reveal that magic is not merely a relic of the past, but a vibrant and evolving component of human experience.