Laputa is a fictional flying island featured in Jonathan Swift's satirical novel, "Gulliver's Travels," published in 1726. The island is inhabited by people who are obsessed with mathematics and music, often neglecting practical matters. They use a giant magnet to control ships and other objects, showcasing their advanced but impractical technology. In the story, Laputa represents the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The inhabitants' focus on abstract ideas leads to absurdities, highlighting Swift's critique of the scientific and intellectual pursuits of his time. The island serves as a symbol of the dangers of excessive rationalism.