Can someone explain to me why the Magus needs their own spell list? I see no reason why they just can't use the Sorcerer/Wizard spell list. Why re-invent the wheel here?
you'll notice several touch spells are missing from the magus list that are on the wiz list
this is intentional
example
Vampiric Touch
hit and get temp HP every round
The reason these classes need their own spell list is that they are different from other casters. They have their own strengths, weaknesses, and focuses that vary (sometimes significantly) from existing caster classes. This means that you create a new spell list that maintains the feel of the class or sacrifice the feel of the class for simplicity. The latter works for the oracle and sorcerer for the most part, but all of the other base classes are just to far away from the base spell lists (wizard and cleric) thematically for them to use someone else's spell list.
In my opinion, this is very much a good thing, as it is one of the things that leaves the Magus as a viable alternative to the Eldritch Knight and Arcane warrior bard rather than a class that renders either of them completely redundant.
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The reason these classes need their own spell list is that they are different from other casters. They have their own strengths, weaknesses, and focuses that vary (sometimes significantly) from existing caster classes. This means that you create a new spell list that maintains the feel of the class or sacrifice the feel of the class for simplicity. The latter works for the oracle and sorcerer for the most part, but all of the other base classes are just to far away from the base spell lists (wizard and cleric) thematically for them to use someone else's spell list.
I don't see how (aside from being proficient in martial combat and arcane magic, but not masters of either) the Magus is any different from wizard. If you look under the "SPELLS" section of the class, they are IDENTICAL to wizards.
I get the practical reason for why they have a different spell list (fair and balanced and all that...very clear) but if they prepare spells just like a wizard and start off with the same number of spells just like a wizard and gain 2 spells per level just like a wizard, what then is the reason WITHIN THE STORY as to why they can't learn something like vampiric touch or any other wizard spell for that matter?
The reason these classes need their own spell list is that they are different from other casters. They have their own strengths, weaknesses, and focuses that vary (sometimes significantly) from existing caster classes. This means that you create a new spell list that maintains the feel of the class or sacrifice the feel of the class for simplicity. The latter works for the oracle and sorcerer for the most part, but all of the other base classes are just to far away from the base spell lists (wizard and cleric) thematically for them to use someone else's spell list.I don't see how (aside from being proficient in martial combat and arcane magic, but not masters of either) the Magus is any different from wizard. If you look under the "SPELLS" section of the class, they are IDENTICAL to wizards.
I get the practical reason for why they have a different spell list (fair and balanced and all that...very clear) but if they prepare spells just like a wizard and start off with the same number of spells just like a wizard and gain 2 spells per level just like a wizard, what then is the reason WITHIN THE STORY as to why they can't learn something like vampiric touch or any other wizard spell for that matter?
As your GM and your group create the story, not Paizo, I'd ask them!
Personally, our lot stick to the set spell lists and have the option of adding additional spells through quests/an adventure, if we all agree.
Let's not forget, as mentioned by previous posters, tailoring the spell lists of a class allow for additional balance.
..much as I'd love my Sorcerer to have Heal.
So to answer your question directly - it's another form of control/balance.
*shakes fist*