anthroposophy

Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy and movement founded by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. It proposes that humans can gain knowledge of the spiritual world through disciplined inner development, which Steiner described as a form of spiritual science. The movement seeks to apply this knowledge to practical areas such as education, medicine, agriculture, and the arts.

Central ideas include a view of the human being as a composite of body, life forces, soul, and spirit; belief in reincarnation and karma; and the existence of spiritual hierarchies and worlds that influence earthly life. Proponents argue that human cognition can be expanded beyond the senses through inner experiences and that moral and social progress depends on cultivating spiritual insight.

Anthroposophy has inspired several prominent institutions and practices. Waldorf education, founded on stages of child development and a holistic approach to learning, is one of its best-known expressions. Anthroposophic medicine integrates conventional medical diagnosis with additional approaches developed within the movement. Biodynamic farming applies spiritual and ecological principles to agriculture. The arts, including eurythmy (a movement art) and architecture connected to the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, are also linked to anthroposophical culture. Steiner also promoted a threefold view of society, advocating independent cultural, political, and economic spheres to foster freedom and cooperation.

History and organization include the establishment of the first Anthroposophical Society and the construction of the Goetheanum as a central hub. Today, the movement maintains a global network of schools, medical practices, farms, and cultural projects. Critics characterize anthroposophy as esoteric or pseudoscientific, while supporters view it as a comprehensive spiritual science with diverse social applications.