HSTEU305 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

16TH C. WITCHCRAFT DEBATE: WEYER, BRENZ, SCOT, BODIN

Readings: Weyer, Brenz & Bodin in Xerox Packet & Link from Course Web Page
                 plus Kors & Peters selections: Bodin (#45, pp. 290-302)                  
                                                              Scot (# 60, pp. 394-401)

Johann Brenz, On Hailstorms (1539) 
       According to this early Lutheran minister, what is the  correct interpretation of hailstorms?
       What is the popular interpretation he is arguing against?
       How do ordinary people respond to hailstorms?
       What is Brenz’ position on state’s punishment of witches?

 Weyer’s reply to Brenz    
       What are the similarities and differences in their   attitudes to witches?
       What does Weyer mean by “superstition” in letter to Brenz?
       How would you describe Weyer’s attitude towards the women/witches he defends?
       Note the typically Protestant argument between Weyer and Brenz over
          interpretation of Scriptural passages.

Johann Weyer, On the Illusions of Demons (1563)
     Dedication to Duke of Cleves: note appeal for leniency
     What is the origin of belief in witches?
     Distinguish various types of arguments against witchcraft:
         theological, philosophical, medical, legal

     Weyer’s theory of melancholy and Bodin’s reply:
     Weyer's attack on theory of diabolical pact: note use of Canon Episcopi to make his point

Bodin, On the Demonomania of Sorcerers (1580)
      arguments against Weyer: medical (melancholy), legal,
      arguments from authority & from experience
        examples of Jeanne Harvillier, 1578
      personal attack on Weyer as sorcerer

Reginald Scot, Discovery of Witchcraft (1584) : optional reading
     refutation of Bodin and Malleus
   ( Kors & Peters selections are in 16th C. English; try reading aloud.)

     note types of arguments used against witch beliefs:
          common sense, empirical argument from cause & effect,
          religious & legal arguments (issue of evidence)
     attack on clergy for fostering belief in witchcraft
     discuss Scot’s two definitions of witchcraft
                as 1) “cousening art” (p. 399-400)
                     2) blasphemy
                use of concrete examples: e.g p. 401