The Science of Fiction

1
The Science of Fiction

• Scientific Aspects of Magic in Harry Potter's
  World

2
Foundations of Science

• Natural Cause The universe behaves in a
  predictable way under rules that can be
  determined through observation and
  experimentation.
• Uniformity The rules are constant through
  space and time.

3
Foundations of Science

• Parsimony All other things being equal, the
  simplest explanation is the best.
• Efficient Cause (not Final Cause)
• Objectivity

4
Scientific Method

• Observation
• Question
• Hypothesize
• Test Observe
• Publish
• Repeat (as necessary)

• Theorize
• Publish
• Repeat (as necessary)

5
Assessing Science in Fiction

• Within the world of the work
• are there rules?
• are they applied consistently?
• In relation to the real world
• is there existing science or technology like
  this?
• is this something new?
• can it be investigated?

6
Harry Potter

• Authors World
• magical ability is a genetic trait
• magic follows a set of natural laws
• magic can be investigated
• magic technology requires precise application
• magic is hidden from muggle science

7
Harry Potter

• Relation to our world
• hidden from ignored by muggles
• would we notice?
• issues
• what are the laws?
• what are the forces involved?
• how does it interact with and effect what we
  already know?
• gravity, electro-magnetics, atomic forces,
  thermodynamics, conservation of matter

8
Harry Potter

• Types of Magic
• Kinetic
• Transformative
• Psychic
• Creatures

• Methodologies
• Wand
• Incantation
• Potions Powders
• Alchemy
• Charmed Objects
• Astrology

9
Harry Potter

• Kinetic
• Flight, Levitation, Unlocking spell
• Transformative
• Transfiguration, Platform 9¾, Invisibility,
  Diagon Alley, Sorcerers Stone, Photographs,
  Apparation
• Psychic Biological
• Memory charm, Sorting Hat, Mirror of Erised,
  Divination, Binding Spells
• Creatures
• Ghosts, Goblins, Dragons, Fluffy, etc.

10
Harry Potter Scientific Investigation

• Physics
• Thermodynamics What is the source of magical
  energy?
• Conservation of Matter What happens to matter
  when an object is transformed?
• Gravity How is gravity counteracted?
• Light How does light interact with invisible
  objects
• Astronomy Why how do the stars and planets
  impact magical abilities?

11
Harry Potter Scientific Investigation

• Chemistry
• What is the chemical composition of a potion?
• Can potions be synthesized?
• How does the Sorcerer's Stone work?
• Biology
• Why are some humans capable of magic?
• Genetic markers
• Anatomy and physiology
• What happens when a person is transformed?
• How are thoughts read?
• What happens when a creature is petrified?

12
Looking at Fiction

• Is the author working in our world or a fictional
  one?
• Are there rules?
• Are they applied consistently?
• Reading
• Science of books
• Committee for the Scientific Investigation of
  Claims of the Paranormal