Science lectures for the inquisitive and wondering
Bristol Skeptics Society is delighted to present Skeptics in the P̶u̶b̶… Theatre!
Skeptics in the Pub is a regular lecture series, hosting academics from the world of science and skepticism, to share their unique research and insights. The goal is for every talk to delight and inspire, and help us understand our complex world a little better.
SEPTEMBER: Should we believe witchcraft confessions?
Skeptics In The Theatre welcomes Dr Tabitha Stanmore!
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, roughly 2000 people in England were accused of witchcraft. Most of the accused vehemently denied all charges, but some gave full and detailed confessions. How seriously should we take these testimonies? Is it right to dismiss them as the inventions of panicked minds and leading questions? If so, what does this mean for the supposed witch’s agency and lived experiences? In this talk, Tabitha Stanmore will pick apart cases from the 1580s and the infamous ‘Matthew Hopkins’ witch hunts of the 1640s. We will explore how much knowledge we can gain from confessions, and where to draw the line between scepticism and belief.
Dr Tabitha Stanmore is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Exeter, researching the 1640s English witch hunts. Her previous research focussed on practical magic in late medieval and early modern England. She has appeared on BBC Radio 3 and BBC 4, and written for BBC History Magazine and TIME magazine. Cunning Folk: Life in the era of practical magic is based on her PhD research, and won the Folklore Society’s Katharine Briggs Award in 2024.
Skepticism is the philosophy that we can understand the world better by using evidence and scientific methods. The skeptical community is committed to combating misinformation, and pursuing a better, more compassionate world, through scientific exploration and inquiry – and making some friends whilst doing it! 🔎❤️
Bristol Skeptics Society is a Bristol based non-profit education and advocacy organisation, dedicated to promoting science and critical thinking in Bristol, around the UK, and internationally. Founded in 2009, we have hosted hundreds of speakers over the years on a variety of skeptical and scientific topics, and supported local and national skeptical campaigns.
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