Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World
Discussion Questions
Mar. 5: Magical Objects and Alchemy
Jason Lapkin: MBrauns929@aol.com
- Is Alchemy a science or a religion? How can it be defined as both?
- How is it that an object may become endowed with magical power?
- Is the "evil eye" a magical or social phenomenon? According to the author,
it does not sound like magic, therefore, why is it considered in this course?
Derek Pepiak:dpepiak@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
- Were inscribed amulets considered more powerful than plain amulets
used with incantations or were they equally powerful?
- What exactly is involved in cursing someone with the evil eye? Does
it only involve a look from the individual to the victim?
- Alchemy is discussed as a religious practice as well as a science.
Was there any form of initiation into alchemy? How did one become
involved in alchemy?
Kate Bolin--kbolin@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
- Obviously, people believed that these amulets worked, but are there
are testimonials or the like?
- Why do amulets hold such power for the wearer?
- Can we really differentiate between alchemy and chemistry at this
point in time?
Zach Harrelson:zharrel@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
- Did all "alchemists" fulfill the dual role of chemist and philosopher?
Or could someone who was only interested in the material benefits of the
chemistry still qualify as an "alchemist"?
- Schoek describes how in many cultures hosts downplay their wealth or
fortune in order to avert inciting their guests' envy. He claims,
however, that this is not true in America. The article was written in
1955, so does this claim still hold true today?
- Besides the rubric (if there was one) was there any other possible
identifying features or characteristics of magical objects that could
distinguish those designed for prevention of a specific ailment from those
designed to prevent any ailment?
Nicholas Katsaounis:nkatsao@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
- In ancient Greece what kind of questions were asked at the
oracle of Delphi?
- Discuss the concept that foreseeing the future was a kind of art
resembling statistics.
- What is the difference between the stoic and the skeptic
perspective in interpreting
divination?
- On a general consensus what are the common traits one would have
in order to fear
the evil eye? What is the characteristic that ties all of
these characteristics together?
How is envy related to the evil eye? What evidence from around
the world make it a
universal characteristic?
Nick Backer: nbacker@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
- In Kotansky's article on amulets, he makes no mention of who the
primary inscribers were. I am curious whether or not these people were
magicians or the earliest forms of doctors/practitioners of medicine?
- I would like to discuss the class' perceptions of the evil eye and
its possible powers. Have many run across this superstition?
- I am unclear of the connection between the violent nature of love
spells and the disease-like qualities of love. An illness is usually not
violent but long and drawn-out suffering. An analogy to this in love
spells makes more sense to me than violence.
"Christina Wilson: cwilson2@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
- What was the societies opinion of alchemists? How does that compare to
their view of witches/priests/sorceres/shamans and why?
- How important are amulates and magical objects in spell work?
- Where do societies fears of superstitions such as the "evil eye" come
from? How do they originate?