People I (Mostly) Admire 31. Peter Leeson on Why Trial-by-Fire Wasn’t Barbaric and Why Pirates Were Democratic
Jun 12, 2021
Peter Leeson, an economist known for his exploration of quirky historical topics, dives into the bizarre practice of medieval judicial ordeals and their parallels to modern judicial systems. He argues that trial-by-fire was less barbaric than believed and unveils the democratic nature of pirate governance. The conversation is filled with humor, touching on Leeson's personal journey to becoming a competitive golfer and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness in life and love. The blend of economics, history, and personal anecdotes keeps the discussion fascinating.
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Reunion and Ordeals
- Steve Levitt hasn't spoken to Peter Leeson in over a decade.
- Leeson explains medieval ordeals, where guilt or innocence was determined by burning or boiling.
The Logic of Ordeals
- Ordeals seem barbaric and illogical from a modern perspective.
- Data suggests priests rigged ordeals, intervening to protect the innocent.
Ordeals as Strategy
- Ordeals were a strategic way to reveal the truth in difficult cases.
- The belief in God's intervention encouraged confessions and deterred crime.