Goetheanism

Goetheanism is a term commonly used in the context of anthroposophy and Waldorf education for a holistic oriented science methodology. The scientific works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe are regarded as the paradigmatic foundation of this methodology. It was theoretically founded by Rudolf Steiner as editor and commentator of Goethe's scientific writings (1883-1897) and as author of an "Epistemology of Goethe's Worldview" (1886). Goetheanist research strives to combine empirical Methodology and holistic understanding of essence, with the aim to overcome the epistemological split between subject and object. The word Goetheanism first appears in 1803 in a letter from the Swedish poet and diplomat Karl Gustaf von Brinkman to Goethe. He used it to refer to Goethe's overall devotion to the world. However, this term did not become generally used in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, often spoke of "Goetheanism" in lectures, by which he meant mainly, but not exclusively, the method underlying Goethe's studies of nature. Thus the word became common among anthroposophists. Outside these circles, on the other hand, it is not used to this day, not even by natural scientists who - like the botanist Wilhelm Troll or the zoologist Adolf Portmann - explicitly follow Goethe in terms of methodology. Even within anthroposophical circles there is no agreement on the meaning of the term "Goetheanism". Thus the Goetheanist Wolfgang Schad writes: "It is used to denote: a) For example, simply throughout everything that is scientific work in anthroposophical contexts. [...] c) The experimental verification of many of Steiner's statements with the methods of the university natural sciences. d) Any poetic, aesthetically experiencing approach to nature without any claim to science. e) The cultural-scientific contents in art, art history, history, linguistics and literature oriented towards anthroposophy. f) The arts that have grown out of anthroposophy, such as eurythmy and the organic style in architecture [.