Our discussion on technology and magic was nothing short of fascinating. The one specific part of our discussion that I really enjoyed was the role of mysterium in both technology and magic. In both cases, there is the event of the uncertain occurring. As Chesterton asserted in "Orthodoxy" There is a fundamental flaw in the creation of scientific laws based on empiricism. Just because something has happened a thousand times before does not ensure that it will happen the one thousand first time. With that in mind, in all actions there exists the mysterious element that exists outside of mans control because of mans inability to ensure that what has happened in the past will occur again in the future.
Therefore, whether we click on an iPhone or stir a cauldron, both are comprised of elements and parts that are mixed and assembled in a specific way to achieve a specific result if the correct steps are taken. In addition, though, there exists the mysterious element that exists within them both. That element, crucially necessary for both final ends to occur, and utterly outside of mans full understanding and control. In this respect, there appears to be very little difference between our perceptions of what magic was and what technology is today.
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