balthasarr bekker Flashcards
(16 cards)
Who was Balthasar Bekker?
A Dutch clergyman and Cartesian rationalist known for his writings on philosophy, theology, and witchcraft.
Bekker was born in 1634 and died in 1698, and he was the son of a Calvinist minister.
What significant work did Balthasar Bekker publish in 1691?
The Enchanted World.
This work is considered highly influential in critiquing witchcraft beliefs in the 17th century.
What was Bekker’s stance on witchcraft?
He argued against the possibility of witchcraft, aligning with Reginald Scot’s views.
Bekker used the Bible as a primary source but approached it with reason rather than relying on rumors.
What methodology did Bekker employ in his reasoning?
Cartesian methodology.
This approach emphasized rational interpretation of the Bible and natural events.
What did Bekker believe about the Devil’s ability to influence people?
He argued that unless the Devil has a body, he cannot possess or influence people on Earth.
Bekker also claimed that if the Devil is an instrument of God, believing he has power is heretical.
How did Bekker view the relationship between witchcraft and natural events?
He believed that many events attributed to witchcraft could be explained by nature.
Bekker thought that science would eventually provide explanations for these events.
What was the impact of The Enchanted World on witchcraft beliefs?
It coincided with changes in witch beliefs due to the new scientific approaches.
Historians noted that Bekker’s work reflected an intellectual climate that was shifting away from witchcraft.
What was the initial reception of The Enchanted World in Holland?
4,000 copies were sold within the first two months of publication.
The book was also translated into several languages, indicating its significance.
What consequences did Bekker face for his views?
He lost his job as a minister and was put on trial for blasphemy but was acquitted.
His ideas worried German witch-hunters, leading to bans of his book in some towns.
What event marked the end of witchcraft legislation in England?
The repealing of witchcraft legislation in 1736.
This change indicated a shift in the legal approach to witchcraft and skepticism.
True or False: Witchcraft beliefs completely disappeared after the repeal of legislation in England.
False.
Occasional witchcraft cases continued to be reported well into the 19th century.
What did John Wesley believe about witchcraft?
He criticized the disbelief in witches, claiming it contradicted the teachings of the Bible.
Wesley’s views reflected the lingering belief in witchcraft among some religious figures.
Fill in the blank: Bekker’s work was influenced by _______ who also argued against the possibility of witchcraft.
Reginald Scot.
What did historian Hugh Trevor-Roper argue about Bekker’s contributions?
He claimed Bekker had no new arguments beyond those of Weyer, Scot, or Webster.
Trevor-Roper suggested Bekker’s work aligned with changing intellectual climates.
What was one of Bekker’s key arguments regarding evidence for witchcraft?
He stated that there is no solid evidence for witchcraft and much could be attributed to natural causes.
Bekker emphasized that many supposed supernatural events lacked credibility.
What did Bekker conclude about magic?
He argued that all magic is a product of human imagination, with no real supernatural basis.
This conclusion challenged the prevailing beliefs of his time.
