Superstition and Magic in the Medieval and Early Modern Periods

In an age when authorities attempt to assault our modern modes of critical thinking, the term “superstition), urgently needs reappraisal. This conference proposes the examination of a wide range of evidence in various genres over time in order to foster this dialogue. In returning to the original meaning of “superstition” as an excessive fearfulness or belief, or a misapprehended and abused knowledge of a supernatural subject, how can we refine our understanding of superstition and magic in the premodern world? How can we make the overlaps between science, superstition, and magic productive?

Co-organized by:

Jonathan Martin, PhD, Department of German 2018

Sonja Andersen, Graduate Student, Department of German