STEINER, RUDOLF. – Philosopher, b. at Kraljevic (Croatia) on 27 Feb. 1861, d. at Dornach (Switzerland) on 30 March 1925, founder of “anthroposophy.” A scholar of manifold philosophical and religious interests, he collaborated in the edition of Goethe’s works (1890–97).
Drawn to Theosophy (v.), he first adhered (1902) to the Theosophical Society (serving as secretary of the German section), from which he later separated (1913) to found the “Anthroposophical Society,” thus indicating the centrality of the problem of man. The Society, of a secretive character, attracted many adherents, especially in German-speaking countries. The condemnations of the Church directed against Theosophy (Denz-U, 2189) have also affected Anthroposophy.
Steiner gave to Anthroposophy the meaning of a new, comprehensive world-view of man. Man is inserted into the universe and consists of various elements progressively capable of expression in the unfolding of his life, which participates in the evolution of the world. Within this conception is also included a wholly unorthodox rethinking of Christianity: viewed in the light of Eastern occult tradition, it is understood as a “mystical fact,” and its teaching reduced to an experience that only science can clarify and render complete.
Principal works: Grundlinien einer Erkenntnistheorie der goetheschen Weltanschauung (Berlin 1886); Die Philosophie der Freiheit (ibid. 1894, Eng. tr. Bari 1919); F. Nietzsche, ein Kämpfer seiner Zeit (Weimar 1895); Goethe's Weltanschauung (ibid. 1897); Haeckel u. seine Gegner (Minden 1900); Welt- u. Lebensanschauungen im 19. Jahrh., 2 vols., Berlin 1900–1901; 2nd ed. under the title Die Rätsel d. Philos. (ibid. 1914); Theosophie (Leipzig 1904; many eds.; Eng. tr. Milan 1938); Wie erlangt man Erkenntnisse höherer Welten (Berlin 1909); Die Geheimwissenschaft im Umriss (Leipzig 1910; many eds.; Eng. tr. Milan 1942); Vom Menschenrätsel, etc. (Berlin 1916); Die Philos. des Thomas V. Aquino (posth. 1930), etc.