Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment

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Focusing on the interplay between enlightenment thought and folk beliefs, this investigation delves into Scottish witchcraft and beliefs from 1662 onward, during a time often seen as a decline in such practices. It explores the tension between the rational philosophies of the elite and the enduring fears of the supernatural among the devout. By examining this unique Scottish experience, the study reveals how witch beliefs persisted across societal levels, highlighting the complexities of faith and the evolving definitions of the supernatural during the long eighteenth century.