Folklorist and cultural anthropologist Deborah Hyde will speak at Humanists UK Convention 2025 on the topic of ‘From heresy to witchcraft’. The Convention will take place from 13–15 June 2025 at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield.
Deborah Hyde is a folklorist and cultural anthropologist. For ten years, she was the editor of the Skeptic magazine, the UK’s only regular magazine to take a critical-thinking and evidence-based approach to pseudo-science and the paranormal. Deborah is interested in why people believe in strange things, attributing her fascination with the supernatural to spending her childhood with eccentric aunties. She approaches the subject using the perspectives of psychology and history.
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In her talk, Deborah will delve into the surge of interest in witchcraft during the 16th and 17th centuries, a period marked by intense cultural debate that tragically escalated into widespread persecution and executions. She will explore the origins of the legal framework that enabled this mass persecution, questioning whether this power had been previously tested and employed. Her analysis will examine the roles of totalitarianism, paranoia, and imperial ambitions in the development of this bloody delusion.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:
‘Deborah’s work on the psychology and history of supernatural beliefs is both fascinating and important. Her time as editor of the Skeptic demonstrates her commitment to critical thinking, and her Convention talk promises to offer a compelling perspective on the historical link between ideas of heresy and witchcraft, and the dangerous consequences of such delusions and proscriptions.’
Humanists UK Convention 2025 will bring together humanists from across the country for a weekend of science, politics, culture, and comedy. The event will be held at the Octagon Centre in Sheffield from 13–15 June 2025. Deborah Hyde joins a diverse line-up of speakers, including physicist Dr Helen Czerski; journalist Ian Dunt; author of Money, Lies, and God, Katherine Stewart; tech entrepreneur Sara Wahedi; happiness economist Professor Lord Richard Layard; anthropologist and author of The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World, Professor Harvey Whitehouse; historian and editor of The Free Speech Wars, Dr Charlotte Lydia Riley; philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, Professor Richard Norman; Authoritarian Century author Dr Azeem Ibrahim OBE; AI, Faith & Civil Society Commissioner Professor Kate Devlin; and many more.
Humanists UK Convention 2025 | Sheffield
13 June 2025, 19:00
The Octagon Centre, Clarkston Street, Sheffield, S10 2TQ
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.