The importance of Choice

As I have already pointed out, the magic of Harry Potter is a “scientific craft,” and must therefore be treated as such. Peter Kreeft explains that

Aristotle rated technique (technical knowledge, techne, know-how) as third on the hierarchy of values, after (1) knowledge of the truth for its own sake, and (2) practical knowledge, or knowledge for living, for acting. The modern world has simply turned this hierarchy exactly upside down, as it has turned man upside down. (Kreeft 1994, p. 22)

In this post, I will explore this concept, and show what the Harry Potter books are all about.

C.S. Lewis claimed that for “the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality, and the solution had been knowledge, self‐discipline, and virtue.” For the modern “scientists” or “scientific magicians,”(1) he adds, “the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men: the solution is a technique.” (Lewis 1947, p. 77) I have argued that the magic in Harry Potter is a science, a craft, something to be handled with logic and reason. And the point is that as the magic is technological, so it must conform to truth and morality.

Let me explain. Aristotle points out that “scientific knowledge,” episteme, being the first on “the hierarchy of values,” should be followed by “practical wisdom,” phronesis, which should be followed by technical knowledge, techne. If a man owns a factory, and he sets reason and kowledge (of truth) — insight — first, followed by a moral backbone, he will most likely not only succeed, but also gain a good relationship to his workers. If he turns it upside down, her will most likely exploit his workers, and they will most likely revolt. The Russian 1917 October revolution did not happen because the factory owners were to kind.

Now, how does this relate to Harry Potter? In Harry (and Dumbledore), we see a wizard who conforms his soul to reality, not relying on magical technique, but on knowledge, self-discipline, and virtue. In Voldemort we see a wizard who tries to subdue reality to his own wishes, denying the spiritual realm and splitting up his soul to “be in control.” He is a exaggerated version of Francis Bacon’s scientist, shouting “knowledge for power” while trying to conquer nature.(2)

So, the main point of Harry Potter is that we must choose rightly, not that we must have certain abilities. As Dumbledore points out: “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” (Chamber of Secrets, HP2)

Notes:

1. In the essay “On Fairy Stories” (pdf-file), Tolkien writes that Fairy stories “may perhaps most nearly be translated by Magic—but it is magic of a peculiar mood and power, at the furthest pole from the vulgar devices of the laborious, scientific, magician.” (p. 4)

2. Read the last chapter of The Abolition of Man (Lewis 1947) for more on this. It is available online.

Cited Works:

• Kreeft, Peter (1994). C.S. Lewis for the Third Millennium. San Francisco: Ignatius. ISBN: 0-89870-523-1
• Lewis, C.S. (1947). The Abolition of Man(Riddell Memorial Lectures 1943). San Francisco: HarperCollins (2001). ISBN: 0-06-065294-2