To a certain extent, yes. Magic does inhibit technology, and vice versa.
I guess the equations would be something like...
 m + t = 1
(Where m is the distribution of magic and it development in the world and t
is the distribution of technology and its development in the world.  they
are both percentages not over 100%)

Also, for individuals,
 m^2 + 2mt + t^2 = 1
    2mt either must be MUCH greater that m^2 + t^2.
    or MUCH smaller than m^2 + t^2.
here, m squared is a percentage of the population which is specialized
in magic.  t squared is the percentage of people who are specialized in
tech usage.  2mt are the guys who know quite a bit about it but can't
use it very well, or (if 2mt < m^2 + t^2) the percentage of the population
that can use both very well.

The simple fact about us, as human beings, is that we tend to stray
away from diversification.  We have slowly parted from the rennaisance
man and have come to understand that many people who are specialized
are best for the forwarding of civilization.
Basically, if it works, don't dwell in something else.  Keep at
what works.

As people get more accomplished in the usage of magic (or, in some
cases, more dependent upon the people who can use magic) technology
goes down, for there is no need for it.  If people can use technology, and
it makes their lives comfortable...well, good.  Who needs magic?  They've
got their daily routine down to a "T"

Oh well...

Sklathill





Alandra wrote:

First, let me state this does not relate at all to Anime/Manga, meaning
you cannot cite such examples to refute me.  But I can see that you are
a widely read group, so most (some?) shouldn't have too much problems
following me.

Think, if you will, of the traditional magic imbued environment.  The
classic example is the Dragon Lance world; it comes complete with
magicians, warriors, gods, and most importantly (to me :) dragons.
Can't say I see any enormous mecha monsters, do you?

This lack of technology struck me most forcibily when I was reading The
Belgariad series by David Eddings, and they were talking of some new
innovation with pulleys in war.  You don't normally see that kind of
practical non-magical invention, so I started to think.

Does the presense of magic inhibit technology?  For surely, necessity is
the mother of invention, and who needs to invent anything when you can
summon your local wizard?

But when, I think, the magic is extremely limited to few people, as in
the Belgariad, technology does advance.  Now you could cite L.E.
Modesitt's Reluce and the Magical Engineer, and yeah, I guess that's an
exception.  Consider, though, Xanth.  Everyone has some magic power, or
properties.  They thought cars were dragons, for crissake!  You wouldn't
call them tech advanced, or for that matter, advancing.  Why when they
can just go to the Good Magician?

Agree, disagree, modifications?

Alandra.