Magic & Rationality Draft 2.3-RC-13

This book uses logic philosophy and whimsical storytelling to investigate the magic of succeeding by believing. In particular we look at the “supposed” secret to success: if you believe you will succeed then you will succeed. What happens when you adopt this belief? The logical consequences may be surprising. For example under certain conditions this supposed secret becomes a logical self-fulfilling prophecy. Through a progression of 15 chapters we follow a narrative—going deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole of the supposed secret. Most chapters include a short story to illustrate a logical concept relating to the supposed secret and most chapters also include a rigorous analysis to satisfy the skeptics. My fundamental thesis is that “magicians” (those who believe in the supposed secret) are logically empowered by the supposed secret to success—even according to skeptical logic. Just a draft. Peer review appreciated.