What Anthroposophy is
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy founded by the Austrian thinker Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). The name comes from Greek words often translated as “wisdom of the human being.” Steiner described it as a “spiritual science,” meaning a disciplined way of investigating spiritual realities with methods he said paralleled scientific rigor. Mainstream science does not accept its central claims, which rest on Steiner’s own reported spiritual perception.
Rudolf Steiner
Steiner first became known as a scholar of Goethe’s scientific writings and as an author of philosophical works including The Philosophy of Freedom (1894). He joined the Theosophical Society in the early 1900s and became head of its German section.
The break with Theosophy
Disagreements grew, particularly over the Theosophical Society’s promotion of Jiddu Krishnamurti as a coming World Teacher, and over Steiner’s wish to emphasize Western esoteric Christianity. In 1912-13 Steiner and most of the German section left to form the Anthroposophical Society. See Theosophy for the movement he left.
Core ideas
- A spiritual world that can be known. Steiner taught that people can develop higher faculties of perception through disciplined inner work.
- A fourfold human being. He described a physical body along with subtle “etheric,” “astral” and “I” aspects.
- Reincarnation and karma, drawn from Eastern thought but reframed in Christian terms.
- The importance of Christ. Steiner placed the life of Christ at the turning point of human evolution, though his views differ from traditional doctrine.
- Cosmic evolution. He described human history in stages, including accounts of ancient civilizations like Atlantis. See Atlantis in Occult and New Age Spirituality.
- The Akasha Chronicle, his term for the spiritual record he said he consulted. See The Akashic Records.
Applied fields
Anthroposophy is best known through practical applications:
- Waldorf (Steiner) education, first founded in Stuttgart in 1919 and now found in many countries.
- Biodynamic agriculture, developed from lectures Steiner gave in 1924.
- Anthroposophic medicine, which supplements conventional treatment with ideas drawn from his teachings.
- Eurythmy, an expressive movement art.
- The Goetheanum, the movement’s center in Dornach, Switzerland.
- Architecture, art and social initiatives.
Criticism
Critics make several points. Scientists question biodynamic and anthroposophic medical claims, noting that evidence for them is weak. Educators and journalists have debated the role of anthroposophic beliefs in Waldorf schools, and parents should look at an individual school’s approach. Some of Steiner’s statements about race, which reflect the thinking of his time, have drawn criticism, and anthroposophic organizations have responded to those concerns in various ways. Anyone considering anthroposophic medicine should discuss it with a qualified doctor and not use it in place of proven treatment.
Today
The movement is small compared with its practical influence, yet it remains a notable example of how a founder-driven esoteric system can leave a lasting institutional mark. It is one of the 19th and 20th century sources of New Age Spirituality.