Trends in Cognitive Sciences, Volume 12, Issue 9, 349-354, 1 September 2008
doi:10.1016/j.tics.2008.05.008
Towards a science of magic
Gustav Kuhn1, , Alym A. Amlani2 and Ronald A. Rensink2,
1 Department of Psychology, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
2 Departments of Psychology and Computer Science, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Abstract
It is argued here that cognitive science currently neglects an important source of insight into the human mind: the effects created by magicians. Over the centuries, magicians have learned how to perform acts that are perceived as defying the laws of nature, and that induce a strong sense of wonder. This article argues that the time has come to examine the scientific bases behind such phenomena, and to create a science of magic linked to relevant areas of cognitive science. Concrete examples are taken from three areas of magic: the ability to control attention, to distort perception, and to influence choice. It is shown how such knowledge can help develop new tools and indicate new avenues of research into human perception and cognition.
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