Introduction Mechanics of course

text, requirements, etc

Metaphysics & Epistemology: what do they mean? What do they have to do with witchcraft?

Witchcraze When? Who? What? Where?

Mechanics Texts:

Servants of Satan, Joseph Klaits Reading pack

Requirements: 3 tests and a final exam all multiple choice tests - 1hour, 50 questions Final exam - 2 hours, 100 questions

Office hours: by appointment How to contact me: psherida@uwo.ca

Or 661-2111 ext. 85877

Web Site

http://instruct.uwo.ca/philosophy/145/

Metaphysics

Study of the nature and structure of reality

What is the world made of? How are things caused? Can spirits be a causal factor in nature?

Epistemology

Study of the nature and justification of knowledge

What is truth? Is there anything we can be certain about? Can we know witches do or do not exist?

What is the Witchcraze?

Years: roughly 1550 - 1650 Witches hunted prior to this period: earliest

trials in 1300s Witchcraze refers the period in which the

hunting of witches reached a peak Last recorded trial c. 1670

Who were the witches?

The Roman Inquisition Used ‘inquisitorial method Very efficient for witch-hunting

No restriction on who can testify Rumour and hearsay acceptable evidence Closed trial w/ no defense for accused Torture a valid means for eliciting confession

Who were the Witch-hunters

The Crimes of Witchcraft:Maleficia

harm doing by means of magic

Satanism

Sabbat - the meeting of witches & devil initiation into Satanism, and devil-worship ceremonies

Sabbat

Flying to the Sabbat

Sexual perversion

Pact with the Devil the kiss of infamy

all these elements were behind witch’s ability to perform maleficia

Inversion of Catholic Mass

Germany: 30 - 50 000 Poland: 15 000 Switzerland: 9 000 France: 10 000 England/ Scotland: 5 000 Scandinavia: 5 000 Hungary/Transylvania/ Russia: 5 000 Italy/Greece/Spain: 10 000

Approx. Total = 10 000 Approx. Executions = 60 000

Places & Numbers of Trials

Women

50 - 80% of accused were women