Historian Joanne Paul Discusses Thomas More and Tudor Period
7 reported
In a conversation with Tyler Cowen, historian Joanne Paul discussed her biography of Thomas More and the Tudor period. Paul, a historian at the University of Sussex and a Tudor expert on YouTube, said she is drawn to the 16th century because it sits between the medieval and the modern. She stated that her biography refuses to reduce More to either martyr or monster. Paul noted that More oversaw the persecution of heretics and advocated for burning them at the stake, but she said his role in that has sometimes been overstated. She added that More imprisoned and interrogated heretics, but it is unknown if he tortured them, as he was accused of doing at the time. Paul also discussed the roots of the scientific revolution in the Tudor period, noting that the scientific method came from alchemy and that figures like John Dee and Francis Bacon had interests in mystical elements.
What’s reported
Joanne Paul is a historian at the University of Sussex and a Tudor expert on YouTube.
Paul’s biography of Thomas More is titled "Thomas More: A Life."
Paul stated that More oversaw the persecution of heretics and thought it was right that they were burned at the stake.
Paul said there were three cases of heretics burned at the stake that More oversaw as Lord Chancellor.
Paul said it is unknown if More tortured heretics, as he was accused of doing at the time.
Paul said the scientific method came from alchemy, which she described as an occult science.
Paul said John Dee was a polymath and occultist, and Francis Bacon had interests in mystical elements.
Misconceptions
The source article addresses the misconception that Thomas More personally put hundreds of heretics to the flames. Paul stated that she sees this suggestion on social media and that there were only three cases he oversaw as Lord Chancellor.
Key figures
Joanne Paul, historian at the University of Sussex
Tyler Cowen, interviewer
Thomas More, historical figure
John Dee, historical figure
Francis Bacon, historical figure
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
