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User: I've heard that in the early modern era, the idea of witchcraft was that it fundamentally broke the rules of how the world operated, and that the modern idea that you could have schools where it could be taught would not have made sense. However, I've forgotten where I've heard this. Do you know of any historian who might have said something similar ?
ChatGPT: While the concept of witchcraft and its perception varied across different cultures and time periods, it is true that during the early modern era, the prevailing belief was that witchcraft went against the established laws of nature and disrupted the natural order. This idea is often associated with the witch hunts and witch trials that took place primarily between the 15th and 18th centuries in Europe and colonial America.

Regarding historians who have discussed this concept, one notable scholar who has written extensively on witchcraft during the early modern era is Keith Thomas. In his influential work "Religion and the Decline of Magic," published in 1971, Thomas explores various aspects of magical beliefs and practices in England during the 16th and 17th centuries. While he does not explicitly address the idea of witchcraft being fundamentally opposed to the laws of nature, his analysis does touch upon the perception that witchcraft involved supernatural forces and operated outside the norms of the natural world.

Another prominent historian who has delved into the subject of witchcraft is Carlo Ginzburg. His book "Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches' Sabbath," published in 1991, investigates the folklore and beliefs surrounding witches in early modern Europe. While Ginzburg's focus is primarily on the cultural and social aspects of witchcraft, his work provides insights into the prevalent ideas and perceptions of witchcraft during that era.

These are just a couple of examples, and there are many other historians who have contributed to the study of witchcraft and its historical context. Exploring the works of Keith Thomas and Carlo Ginzburg should provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the prevailing beliefs and attitudes towards witchcraft in the early modern era.