Final answer:
The discussion is centered on historical instances where people, facing uncontrollable phenomena like weather and fish supply, turned to consider magic or magic practitioners as either scapegoats or explanations for their plight, exemplified by accusations against figures like Apuleius.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter being discussed revolves around historical instances where people, unable to control natural phenomena such as wind, weather, and the fish supply, resorted to the belief in magic and the supernatural. This included occasions when communities would turn to scapegoating and persecuting those believed to wield such powers, particularly during periods of strife like the Little Ice Age. A notable example can be seen with the accusation against Apuleius, where he was charged with using special fish to perform magic. In response, Apuleius logically deconstructed the claim by highlighting the common use of fish and their lack of romantic or magical qualities. This illustrates the historical human tendency to seek explanations or to assert control over uncontrollable environmental elements. Understanding the context and socio-economic conditions of these historical examples helps to discern why such beliefs were held.