you should know what book this comes from
2006-10-20 22:17:09 · 12 answers · asked by hicapaul 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
I think the whole quote refers to advanced technology being shown to pEople who don't understand the technology. Imagine a simple thing like turning on a light. We know that by simply flicking a switch on a wall this completes a circuit which allows electricity to flow to the filament in a bulb which then glows. To a caveman this would represent a magical ability to make light, so yes technology can be distinguished from magic but only if you have a basic understanding of how it works.
I still don't understand how something as small as an i-pod can hold over 2000 songs, now thats magic (THERES ANOTHER QUOTE FOR YOU)
2006-10-20 23:32:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep - Sir Arthur gets quoted a lot!
As James Randi points out, however, that implies that the observer is unable to accept and/or admit that he simply does not understand the technology, that he’s ignorant of facts, or systems, or tools, that could bring about the results he observes. An assumption that the unidentified technology actually is magic, does not necessarily follow.
2006-10-20 22:22:07 · answer #2 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I assume you mean indistinguishable. I don't know which book you are referring to, but I know there are still cultures in the world who would consider a mobile phone to be magic.
2006-10-20 22:22:41 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Know It All 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. We earthers no longer buy the magic bit, no matter how convincing. Even when a guy levitates off the ground (lets see the aliens do that).
2006-10-20 22:35:09 · answer #4 · answered by SAN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and I think it was Arthur C. Clarke, but I don't remember what book. One of his earlier ones, I think, since I've heard it for a long time now.
2006-10-20 22:27:25 · answer #5 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this one is true or false depending on the perceptions and intelligence of the observer.
However to be absolutely true it requires a (relatively) extremely low perception and intelligence level.
The question is technically moot but but extremely unlikely!
2006-10-21 00:39:48 · answer #6 · answered by scrambulls 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the new invisibility cloaking device , just discovered
2006-10-21 05:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. because science is transparent while magic have many secrets.
2006-10-20 22:25:23 · answer #8 · answered by Tezuka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you don't understand it, it's all magic.
2006-10-20 22:21:42 · answer #9 · answered by Captain Eyewash 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-10-20 22:18:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋