The witch hunts of Early Modern Europe (1400-1780) flourished alongside the newly invented printing press, as "information" about witches spread rapidly through published manuals by "demonologists." Today, social media enables the spread of information at unprecedented speed and scale. Then and now, new technologies of communication raise questions about the moral responsibility for the spread of misinformation. We will examine debates between demonologists and their skeptics to explore how Early Modern thinkers understood accountability for harmful ideas. By reading the works of, among others, frustrated German friars, an aspiring Italian astrologer, a tortured Scottish king, a possessed Italian nun, a Dutch medical provocateur, and an ennui-filled French essayist, we will explore historical frameworks for assessing the moral responsibilities associated with writing, printing, and distributing lies, and apply them to today's communication ecosystem.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 16

Prerequisites: One course in Philosophy.

Distribution Requirements: HS or REP - Historical Studies or Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy

Typical Periods Offered: Every three years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

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