Anthroposophy
Anthroposophy is a spiritual new religious movement which was founded in the early 20th century by the esotericist Rudolf Steiner that postulates the existence of an objective, intellectually comprehensible spiritual world, accessible to human experience. Followers of anthroposophy aim to engage in spiritual discovery through a mode of thought independent of sensory experience. Though proponents claim to present their ideas in a manner that is verifiable by rational discourse and say that they seek precision and clarity comparable to that obtained by scientists investigating the physical world, many of these ideas have been termed pseudoscientific by experts in epistemology and debunkers of pseudoscience.
Anthroposophy has its roots in German idealism, Western and Eastern esoteric ideas, various religious traditions, and modern Theosophy. Steiner chose the term anthroposophy (from Greek ἄνθρωπος anthropos-, ‘human’, and σοφία sophia, ‘wisdom’) to emphasize his philosophy’s humanistic orientation. He defined it as “a scientific exploration of the spiritual world”; others have variously called it a “philosophy and cultural movement”, a “spiritual movement”, a “spiritual science”, “a system of thought”, “a speculative and oracular metaphysic”, “system […] replete with esoteric and occult mystifications”, or “a spiritualist movement”, or folie a culte, or “positivistic religion”, or “a form of ‘Christian occultism’”, or “new religious movement” and “occultist movement”.
Anthroposophical ideas have been applied in a range of fields including education (both in Waldorf schools and in the Camphill movement), environmental conservation and banking; with additional applications in agriculture, organizational development, the arts, and more.
The Anthroposophical Society is headquartered at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. Anthroposophy’s supporters have included writers Saul Bellow, and Selma Lagerlöf, painters Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint, filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, child psychiatrist Eva Frommer, music therapist Maria Schüppel, Romuva religious founder Vydūnas, and former president of Georgia Zviad Gamsakhurdia. While critics and proponents alike acknowledge Steiner’s many anti-racist statements, “Steiner’s collected works…contain pervasive internal contradictions and inconsistencies on racial and national questions.”
The historian of religion Olav Hammer has termed anthroposophy “the most important esoteric society in European history”. Many scientists, physicians, and philosophers, including Michael Shermer, Michael Ruse, Edzard Ernst, David Gorski, and Simon Singh have criticized anthroposophy’s application in the areas of medicine, biology, agriculture, and education, considering it dangerous and pseudoscientific. Ideas of Steiner’s that are unsupported or disproven by modern science include: racial evolution, clairvoyance (Steiner claimed he was clairvoyant), and the Atlantis myth.
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy and spiritual-scientific path to knowledge, meaning “wisdom of the human being,” developed by Rudolf Steiner. It offers a holistic view of humanity, integrating spiritual and physical dimensions to foster personal growth. Anthroposophy underpins Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, anthroposophical medicine (such as products from Weleda and Dr. Hauschka), and various arts and social initiatives. While promoting spiritual development and social responsibility, it has faced criticism for its lack of empirical scientific evidence and claims of spiritual realms, with critics sometimes labeling it as pseudoscientific or even cult-like.
Key Aspects
- Spiritual Path: Anthroposophy is a path of spiritual research and self-development, aiming to lead individuals to a deeper understanding of the spiritual world.
- Holistic Human Being: It views humans as complex spiritual and physical beings, emphasizing the connection between the inner spiritual life and the outer physical world.
- Applications: The philosophy has led to practical applications in areas like:
- Education: The foundation of Waldorf education, focusing on nurturing the whole child.
- Agriculture: Biodynamic farming, which views farms as living organisms.
- Medicine: The development of anthroposophical medicine and remedies, though this is a controversial area.
- Arts and Social Work: Practices like eurythmy (a movement art) and Camphill communities for people with special needs.
Criticisms
- Lack of Scientific Basis: Critics argue that anthroposophy relies on concepts that are difficult to test empirically and are not supported by mainstream science.
- Spiritual Indoctrination: Concerns have been raised that Waldorf schools may expose children to anthroposophical beliefs without a clear understanding of their underlying spiritual principles.
- Pseudoscientific Claims: Some critics consider anthroposophical claims about invisible beings, planetary influence, and spiritual realms to be pseudoscientific.