In 1692 Increase Mather wrote, “it were better that ten suspected” these “escape, than that one innocent person …be condemned”

Final Jeopardy 1

Find out the Final Jeopardy Answer for the episode airing on Wednesday January 18, 2023!

Today’s Final Jeopardy Category is: Early American History

Today’s Final Jeopardy

In 1692 Increase Mather wrote, “it were better that ten suspected” these “escape, than that one innocent person …be condemned”

Final Jeopardy Answer

The Final Jeopardy Answer is: Witches 

Final Jeopardy Explanation

The Salem Witch Trials were a series of hearings and trials for persons accused of witchcraft that took place in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693.

Increase Mather, the president of Harvard College and a well-known sage of the Bay, defended the Salem Witch Trials and the judges in Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits which he published in November 1692, but also issued words of caution in the quote: “It were preferable that ten alleged witches should escape than that one innocent person be condemned.”

On the basis of moral considerations and with the support of his education, Mather argued against the use of spectral evidence to support convictions. Because of this, many witchfinders lost their reputations, and people started to think that the sick were possessed rather than being bewitched.

Final Jeopardy Video & Today’s Highlights

Check out highlights from the most recent episode before today’s episode is aired!

More Final Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! Recaps

Alex Matthews

Alex has been an avid fan of television since they were a child, always eager to discover new shows and characters. Over the years, Alex has written numerous articles and essays about television, exploring the themes, characters, and cultural impact of some of the most beloved shows of our time.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *