The Path of the Devil Early Modern Witch Hunts

Combining diverse sociological and philosophical theories,The Path of the Devil is a comparative analysis of the witch hunts of the early modern era. The author broadens his investigation through new quantitative analyses of the role of apocalyptic crises such as plague, war and other hardship.

Gary Jensen is professor of sociology and religious studies at Vanderbilt University and a fellow of the American Society of Criminology

Preface

vii

Early Modern Witch Hunts

1

(34)

Historical Studies

Historical Sociology

Three Sociological Specialties

Conclusion

Explaining Witch Hunts: Sacrifice, Persecution, and Scapegoat Theories

35

(24)

Witch Hunts as Sacrificial Ceremonies

Witch Hunts as Strategic Persecution

Witch Hunts as Scapegoaring

Conclusion

Apocalyptic Variables: Disease, War, and Famine

59

(20)

Epidemic Disease and Early Modern Witch Hunts

War and Early Modern Witch Hunts

Famine and Related Variables

Conclusion

A Discourse on Measures

79

(28)

Witch Hunts

Disease

War

Hardship

Relationships among Measures

Conclusion

Relationships over Time

107

(36)

Time and Social History

Basic Principles for Analyzing Relations over Time

Degrees and Levels of Temporal Correspondence

A More Precise Analysis

Specification

Replication

War ``On the Fringes''

Exceptions That Prove the Rule?

Conclusion

The Selection of Targets: Scapegoating, Collective Conflict, and Victimology

143

(36)

The Stimulus Qualities of the Scapegoat

Transportable Stereotypes and Shifting Targets

The Midwife Issue

Lepers, Prostitutes, and Homosexuals as Potential Scapegoats

Repertoires of Contention: War, Rebellion, and Witch Hunts

Conclusion

The Salem Witch Hunt: A Perfect Storm

179

(46)

Recent Interpretations

Salem: A Sociological Crucible

A Strange Affliction

A Conspiracy of Witches

Theories Focusing on Biological Agents

War and Witch Hunts: The Case of Salem and Essex County

The Salem Panic as a Perfect Storm

Modern ``Witch Hunts'': More Than Metaphors?

225

(24)

More Than a Metaphor?

McCarthyism: Real Enemies or a Witch Hunt?

The Hunt for Witches in Preschools

The Disease-War Model: Does It Apply?

Modern Violence against Witches

Final Comments

References

249

(18)

Index

267

(16)

About the Author

283

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The Path of the Devil Early Modern Witch Hunts

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials