| Abstract | Abstract Abstract:Edward Bever's book The Realities of Witchcraft addresses a fundamental historiographical issue, namely the extent to which early modern magical practices really functioned. Most scholars dismiss the idea that magical rites have real efficacy, or argue that the only reality that should be considered is contingent on historical cultural structures. Bever asserts that magic, and particularly harmful witchcraft, really worked, sometimes by physical means, but often by influencing neurobiology. In this forum section, five scholars respond to and critique Bever's arguments, and Bever responds.
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