Steiner's anthroposophy
Explanation
Anthroposophy is the spiritual current founded by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), Austrian philosopher, esotericist and polymath, after his break with the Theosophical Society in 1913. Steiner had been secretary of the German branch of Theosophy but disagreed with the direction of Annie Besant, especially after the proclamation of Krishnamurti as Christ. He then founded the Anthroposophical Society, based on an approach more centred on esoteric Christianity and on a methodical spiritual science.
Anthroposophy presents itself as a spiritual science that aims to investigate supersensible worlds with the same rigour with which natural science studies the sensible world. Steiner claimed to have developed a trained clairvoyant perception that gave him access to the Akasha (cosmic records) and to angelic spiritual hierarchies. His foundational works include The Philosophy of Freedom (1894), An Outline of Esoteric Science (1910), How to Know Higher Worlds (1904).
Anthroposophical anthropology divides the human being into physical body, etheric body (vital, of formative forces), astral body (seat of feelings and emotions) and I (self-consciousness, spiritual individuality). Each body has specific functions. The evolution of the human being and of the cosmos passes through seven planetary stages (Saturn, Sun, Moon, Earth, Jupiter, Venus, Vulcan), with the angelic hierarchies collaborating in different phases.
One of the most influential contributions of anthroposophy is Waldorf pedagogy, developed by Steiner in 1919 at the request of Emil Molt, owner of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart. Waldorf/Steiner schools are present worldwide, with a pedagogy based on the integral development of the child in seven-year periods (0-7, 7-14, 14-21 years) with emphasis on art, nature, rhythm and absence of early technology.
Biodynamic agriculture, precursor of organic farming, is another Steinerian creation (1924), based on special preparations and cosmic calendars. Anthroposophical medicine (with Weleda and the Ita Wegman clinic) combines allopathy with treatments based on subtle-body theory. Eurythmy is an art of movement that Steiner developed as visible speech and visible song. Organic architecture (the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland) is another formal expression.
For the theory of consciousness, anthroposophy proposes that human consciousness unfolds in diverse modalities (thinking, feeling, willing) correlated with subtle bodies and with stages of cosmic evolution. It has been criticised for some unverifiable claims and for the central role of Steiner as almost absolute authority in his teachings. But scholars such as Owen Barfield, Christopher Fynsk or Robert McDermott have taken his philosophy very seriously. Waldorf pedagogy in particular has shown that an anthropological approach combining the sensible and the supersensible can have concrete and valuable educational applications.
Strengths
- Integral programme with lasting cultural applications.
- Waldorf pedagogy with documented efficacy in specific aspects.
- Original synthesis between science, art and spirituality.
- Influence on biodynamics and integrative medicine.
Main critiques
- Empirically unverifiable metaphysical claims.
- Some controversial medical and agricultural practices.
- Historical racism in certain texts of Steiner.
- Terminological hermeticism.