Scepticism

Question 1

Scott

Answer 1

‘Discoverie of witchcraft’ 1584

1st major work of English scepticism

James responds with Daemonologie and orders copies of Scott’s work burnt

Question 2

Harsnett

Answer 2

1559 - ‘A discoverie of the fraudulent practices of Darrel’

Pamphlet war = wider audience
only questions this one case, not the ability to exorcise people

Question 3

Ady

Answer 3

1656 - ‘A Candle in the Dark’

Uses the Bible as the only source - same source as witchfinders used to secure persecutions

Steep decline in trials after 1660 might be caused by it

only revision of Scott to renew ideas
Criticises James’ Daemonologie

Believed in witches, just not those portrayed in 17th century accounts which had no grounding in the Bible.

Question 4

Webster

Answer 4

1677 - ‘The displaying of supposed witchcraft’

Methodological approach and evidence set him apart

Disagreed that witches had help from the Devil / supernatural powers but still exist

only reiterates Scott and existing debates / pamphlets

Question 5

Bekker

Answer 5

1691 - ‘The enchanted world’

Described by many historians as most influential work
should not blame things explained by nature on witches - one day science will explain

Devil can’t act on earth, only God