Sceptical publications Flashcards
What was the name of Reginald Scot’s publication and when was it published?
‘The discoverie of witchcraft’ 1584
What was Reginald’s Scot’s view of the existence of witches?
Believed in the possibility of witches but disapproved of hunts and far fetched accusations.
How did Scot believe that witches harmed people?
Through natural means e.g. poison.
How did Scot think witchcraft linked to religion?
He believed that there were no biblical foundations of witchcraft and that the catholic church were the main reason for the cruelty.
What did Scot think of women who confessed to witchcraft?
He thought that they were suffering from melancholia.
Who influenced Scot?
Johann Weyer.
What trials influenced Scot?
Chelmsford trials which he saw as far-fetched, especially those involving children.
What was the significance of Scot’s book?
Was one of the first sceptical publications and the first English work. Was widely read later in the period. Reprinted several times. Influenced later sceptics, use of Bible in his arguments gave a lot of weight.
What are the limitations of Scot’s work?
There had already been other European works. He had to self publish his book due to it being too controversial. Demonologie was written in response to it. He believed in magic on some level. Book burning took place.
What was the name of Harsnett’s book and when was it released?
Discovery of the fraudulent practices of John Darrel. 1599
What were the key ideas of Harsnett’s book?
Exorcisms did not work as they were not scientific. Practice of misleading people through magic can be traced back to ancient times. Exorcism can only be done by God so people claiming to be exorcists are heretics.
What case was Harsnett’s book linked to?
The Boy Of Burton case.
What was the significance of Harsnett’s book?
Caused the pamphlet war which was discourse in print over witchcraft.
How is Harsnett’s book limited?
Scepticism was still a minority opinion. only had a short-term impact. Darrell replied to the criticisms.
What is the name of Thomas Ady’s book and when was it published?
A Candle in the Dark 1656
What was Ady’s sole source?
The Bible.
What did Ady say witches were?
Herbalists.
What group was Ady critical of?
Physicians who diagnosed witchcraft.
What influenced Ady?
Growing scepticism of witchfinders. The abuse of the swimming test. The apostasy of the latter times which agreed possession could be attributed to mental illness. The bible.
What was the significance of a candle in the dark?
Rev George Burroughs quoted the book while on trial in Salem. Knowledge of the book had reached the colonies. Critiqued deamonologie. Critical of Matthew Hopkins. Influenced decline of the 1660s.
What were the limitations to Ady’s work?
Despite the use of his book as reference Borroughs was executed. People said he was just repeating Reginald Scot.
What was the name of John Webster’s book and when was it published?
The displaying of supposed witchcraft. 1677
What ideas did Webster say should be rejected?
Beliefs not founded on the teachings of the Bible.
What was Webster’s view of witches?
They did exist but did not have supernatural powers. Carried out evil acts with their own power and had no help from the Devil.
