impact of notable sceptic publications Flashcards
What year was Reginald Scot’s ‘The Discoverie of Witchcraft’ published?
1584
Why was Scot’s book viewed as contradictory?
His writing drew away from factual statements > large emotional components
> Failed to initiate change at a time of religious teachings dominating society
Did Scot’s book spark immediate actionable change?
No, the book had very little impact in the short term > very abrupt claim
> BUT planted the seed of scepticism which would be republished in 1651
How did Scot’s book symbolise rivalry?
Largely based on religious turf: Protestant vs Catholic
> King James denounced Scot in ‘Daemonologie’
What impact did King James’ book ‘Daemonologie’ have?
Large impact as it emphasised threat in divided beliefs
> Perhaps aspects of a Reformation? Preventing ritual change?
What evidence is there that Scot’s book issued little to no immediate change?
1604 Act > sentenced 300 women on superstition of witchcraft
What year was Samuel Harsnett’s ‘A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practice of John Darrel’ published?
1599
What happened as a result of Harsnett’s publication?
Sparked debate via pamphlet war > strong impact as it became accessible to the public
> Connection between fake possessions & newly discovered fraudulence?
How did Harsnett’s publication spark religious complications?
Raised stronger defence against religious teachings > could reverse traditional belief in the long term
How did Harsnett’s publication had a smaller impact in regards to his perceptions?
Referenced exorcisms but didn’t challenge witchcraft belief
> Darrell’s exorcisms limited Harsnett’s impact > rationalised as Puritan prayer & fasting rituals were also forms of exorcisms (not fraudulent practices)
What happened to John Darrell as a result of Harsnett’s publication based on the Boy of Burton case?
Despite a damaged reputation, Darrell remained supported by higher social influences
E.g Bishop of Exeter (low impact on Harsnett as hierarchy wasn’t ignored)
What year was Thomas Ady’s ‘A Candle in the Dark’ published?
1656
Was Ady’s sceptic publication opinion based?
No, he directly sourced his scepticism from the Bible > undermined the legitimacy of witch hunts
How did Ady expose the fault of guilty accusations towards ‘witches’?
Reflected the importance of materialism > parallel to Harsnett’s view of demonic possessions
> Insight to how magic is fake - strong impact in the short term as it held imposing thought
Did Ady’s scepticism influence more diverse groups of people during the 17t century?
Members of the learned elite adopted his theories > higher standard of evidence base trials planted revolution of changing attitudes
How was Ady’s impact lessened as a result of his publication?
Posed dual impact: decline in witchcraft trials post 1660 could be due to Ady’s perspective or negative experiences of women throughout the witchcraze
> Impact significantly lessened > individual perception overrode challenging religion
Why was Ady’s impact limited?
Largely influenced by Scot > previously unsuccessful in revolutionising the questioning of witchcraft existence
What year was John Webster’s ‘The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft’ published?
1677
Why did Webster’s publication have very little impact?
He echoed Scot & Ady’s argument
> Perhaps he thought it essential to reinforce cracks in rationalising witchcraft by arguing the supernatural phenomena only seemed unexplainable
What evidence is there of Webster’s claim that the supernatural phenomena can be explained?
1577 - Roland Jenks Case
“Uttered a curse” during his trial > 100 people died
> unknown to people typhus cases were increasing > proving that disease killed people not his ‘curse’
Why did Webster’s status play a vital role in his publications?
His support from high profile people & Royal Society made his work credible
> But this limited his impact > he was DEPENDANT on high profile promotions of his work
Who had Webster previously accused?
Accused a highly religious figure (Mompesson)
> Mompesson promoted the supernatural aspect of the Demon Drummer case > suspicion of fraud pass to raise alms for the poor
How could Webster’s accusation spark potential damage to his publications?
A non-conformist accusing a Catholic
>His works could’ve been forbidden by the catholic Church > severely limiting his influence
What year was Balthasar Bekker’s ‘The Enchanted World’ published?
1691
How did religious intervention limit Bekker’s impact?
Despite cutting through societal attitudes, he received criticising pamphlets
> Church saw his influence as a threat > proving impact was prominent
How did Bekker lengthen his impact?
He challenged religious teachings > teachings can be shaped by personal belief, not testament
> Gottlieb Soldan claimed Bekker struck at heart of destroying devil belief
How did Bekker challenge traditional ideas?
Argued devil can’t influence earth if it is in hell
> Diabolical pacts/sabbat belief was shattered
What role did materialism play in Bekker’s publications?
> Argument that materialism must interconnect with supernatural
Impact dependant on accessibility of printing & scientific evidence in the material world
What limited Bekker’s impact?
Language barriers
> Controversy confined to Dutch
> 4000 copies sold in Europe - but importance of his literature in England is overstated
What happened to Bekker as a result of challenging the dominant religious influence?
Use of Cartesian methodology > People who believe in Devils are heretics > suggesting another God?
> Highly offensive towards Church
> Lost his job as a Calvinist minister for atheism
