Fact Check: witches weigh the same as a duck

Fact Check: "Witches Weigh the Same as a Duck"

What We Know

The claim that "witches weigh the same as a duck" originates from a humorous scene in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). In this scene, villagers reason that a woman is a witch because she weighs the same as a duck, which they conclude is made of wood, and therefore, she must also be made of wood since "wood floats" (source-1). This absurd logic is a parody of the reasoning used during historical witch trials, where various nonsensical methods were employed to determine if someone was a witch, including weighing them against objects like ducks (source-4).

Historically, during the witch trials in Europe, suspected witches were indeed weighed as part of the trial process. For instance, in the town of Oudewater in the Netherlands, certificates were issued to individuals who were deemed "light enough" to not be witches, implying that heavier individuals were more suspect (source-5). This practice, however, was not based on any scientific reasoning but rather on the superstitions of the time.

Analysis

The claim itself is a satirical statement rather than a factual assertion. It is rooted in a comedic context that highlights the absurdity of the logic used in witch trials. The Monty Python scene illustrates a fallacy known as the "undistributed middle," where the villagers conclude that if a woman weighs the same as a duck, she must be made of wood, and thus, a witch (source-2). This reasoning is intentionally flawed and serves to critique the irrationality of the witch hunts.

While there is a historical basis for weighing individuals accused of witchcraft, the specific assertion that witches weigh the same as ducks is not a factual statement but rather a comedic device. The use of the duck test in this context is a form of abductive reasoning, suggesting that if something behaves like a witch (in this case, weighing the same as a duck), it must be a witch (source-1).

The sources used to support this claim vary in reliability. The Monty Python film is a comedic work, and while it reflects historical practices, it does so in a satirical manner. Academic analyses of the film and its logical structure provide a more critical view of the reasoning presented (source-2). However, historical accounts of witch trials lend some credence to the idea that weight was considered in these trials, albeit in a nonsensical way (source-4).

Conclusion

The claim that "witches weigh the same as a duck" is Partially True. It reflects a historical practice from witch trials and is popularized through a comedic lens in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. While there is a kernel of truth in the historical context of weighing accused witches, the specific assertion is not meant to be taken literally and serves primarily as a humorous critique of irrational reasoning.

Fact Check: witches weigh the same as a duck