The Metaphysical Relationship between Magic and Miracles

Introduction: The terms 'magic' and 'miracle' are notoriously difficult to define. Considered in relation, this difficulty is magnified. In this paper I attempt to overcome this hardship by establishing a metaphysical framework, based solely upon the substance and causal relata of the events involved, within which these terms can be defined and their relationship determined. As the notion of magic has, in relation to miracles, been largely neglected within contemporary philosophy, rival definitions of magic shall be contrasted to a single fixed definition of a miracle. To ascertain which definition of magic is superior, each will be evaluated in reference to set criteria. By this method I will argue that reciprocal interactionist magic is the superior account of magic.