STEINER, RUDOLF. — Philosopher, born in Kraljevic (Croatia) on 27 February 1861, died in Dornach (Switzerland) on 30 March 1925, founder of “anthroposophy.” A scholar with many philosophical and religious interests, he collaborated on the edition of Goethe’s works (1890–97).
theosophy (v.) he initially joined (1902) the Theosophical Society (he was secretary of the German section), from which he later separated (1913), founding the “Anthroposophical Society,” to indicate the centrality of the problem of man. The society, which had a secret character, acquired many adherents, especially in countries of Germanic culture. The Church’s condemnations concerning theosophy (Denz-U, 2189) have also affected anthroposophy.
S. gave anthroposophy the significance of a new, comprehensive vision of the world and of man. Man is integrated into the universe and consists of various elements, progressively capable of expressing themselves in the course of his life, which participates in the evolution of the world. This conception also includes a wholly heterodox rethinking of Christianity: viewed within the Eastern occult tradition, it is understood as a “mystical fact,” and its teaching is reduced to an experience that only science can clarify and bring to completion.
Principal works: Grundlinien einer Erkenntnistheorie der goetheschen Weltanschauung (Berlin 1886); Die Philosophie der Freiheit (there 1894, Italian translation Bari 1919); F. Nietzsche, ein Kämpfer seiner Zeit (Weimar 1895); Goethes Weltanschauung (there 1897); Haeckel u. seine Gegner (Minden 1900); Welt- u. Lebensanschauungen im 19. Jahrh., 2 vols., Berlin 1900–1901; 2nd ed. with the title Die Rätsel d. Philos. (there 1914); Theosophie (Leipzig 1904; many editions; Italian translation Milan 1938); Wie erlangt man Erkenntnisse höherer Welten (Berlin 1909); Die Geheimwissenschaft im Umriß (Leipzig 1910; many editions; Italian translation Milan 1942); Vom Menschenrätsel, etc. (Berlin 1916); Die Philos. des Thomas V. Aquino (posthumous 1930), etc.