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hello people, sorry to barge in like this, but it is just a matter of academic necessitty. does anyone here know of an author that has a philosophical take on magic? you see,i am pressd with a project in my philosophy class wherein we are tasked to apply an individuals philosophy into a practical matter. ive chosen to write a discourse on magic. thanks!

Don't know about philosophy, but Derren Brown's books will certainly give you a 'theoretical' approach.

Perhaps things like Kenton Knepper's articles (and those from others!) on Online Visions - http://www.online-visions.com/ - will help? They contain a lot of individual thinking and opinion which may, or may not, be considered philosophical. Also things like Michael Ammar's Book of Magic and similar publications often contain the author's thoughts and offerings behind the performance.

Also perhaps the introductions and other articles that are spread around Paul Harris' Art of Astonishment Series could be seen as philosophical.

It may also be worth you looking at Robert Neale's work, and Eugene Burger's...

Magic and Meaning was authored by the two of them.

Liam.

I'd go with Eugene Burger as well. Here's his website which contains a number of essays by him. Very interesting reading:
http://www.yourmagic.com/MagicBeard/index.php
Another person who has influenced my thinking in magic is Al Schneider. It's not directly philosophy, but his philosophy definitely comes through in this free ebook : http://www.worldmagiccenter.com/Theory/TheoryOfMagic.html - also an excellent read.
Hope that helps

"The Books of Wonder," by Tommy Wonder will give you more to think about than you can deal with in a month. Highly recommended.

Mike.

thanks a lot for the help guys...much appreciated

I consider much of "Neo-Magic Artistry" by S.H. Sharpe to be philosophical.
-Rachel