Project description
Analysing the art of theatrical magic: a philosophical approach
The art of theatrical magic has fascinated audiences for centuries, both as an entertaining and intellectual experience, and as a cultural force in Europe and the United States from the late 18th to early 20th century. Despite its lasting appeal, it seems to have been overlooked in literature by art historians, critics, and philosophers. The MSCA-funded PhiloMagic project endeavours to complete a full-length book manuscript entitled ‘The Art of the Impossible’, which will systematically analyse theatrical magic from a philosophical and psychological perspective. The project will also publish supplementary articles and conduct a series of workshops on the topic.
Objective
PhiloMagic is an interdisciplinary project in philosophical aesthetics in the analytic tradition. It focuses primarily on the art of theatrical magic (think David Copperfield, not Harry Potter), which the American Society for Aesthetics recognizes as a “neglected art.” PhiloMagic builds on my prize-winning essay, “The Experience of Magic,” which is the first systematic philosophical treatment of theatrical magic in the analytic—or, to my knowledge, any—tradition. For my fellowship, I propose a 24-month stay at the Centre for Philosophical Psychology at the University of Antwerp under the supervision of Professor Bence Nanay. While in Antwerp, my main objectives are to complete a book manuscript (entitled *The Art of the Impossible*), write and submit for publication three accompanying scholarly articles, and organize a series of four study groups (each culminating in a public lecture) as well as an international workshop in the philosophy and psychology of magic.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinator
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium