Why are witch trials a paradox?

Answer 1

They are not. Paradox is defined as self-contradictory or absurd. It may seem absurd now that we know witches don't really exist, but back then, they believed in witches, so it was a real threat. It's like the kid who thinks there's a monster in the closet. It seems absurd to their parents, but they believe there is one.

Some people see contradiction in the trial process itself. In some cases, the accused was tested to see whether he or she was innocent. They would be bound and thrown into a body of water. If they floated, it was the work of the Devil and if they sank - and drowned - they were innocent.