Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality 28a – Reductionism, part 1
Nov 30, 2011
Hermione and Harry explore transfiguration challenges and discuss nanotechnology experiments. They delve into the properties and applications of bucky tubes. Harry and Hermione conduct an experiment using a transfigured diamond ring to support weights. They discuss doubts about their research on magic. Harry and Hermione have a tense encounter and discuss safety. They reflect on their recent experiment and Harry reveals a breakthrough in understanding quantum mechanics.
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Magical Culture Misses Scientific Opportunities
- Wizards often ignore non-magical explanations and therefore miss scientific leverage points.
- Hidden breakthroughs (like transfigured but nonmagical pills) could be passed to muggles and reverse-engineered.
Bucky Tube Experiment Proves Wizard Advantage
- Harry and Hermione successfully transfigure a carbon nanotube thread and test its strength to 100 kg.
- They realize the result is unique to wizards and not easily useful to muggle scientists for production methods.
Use A Structured Research Checklist
- Systematically list magical constraints and rank ones that conflict with scientific sense.
- Prioritize constraints unlikely questioned by wizards and devise attack avenues to test them.