Steiner Studies: Band 2 - 2021

Report:

• Christian Clement: A New Paradigm in the Academic Study of Anthroposophy?
  
  Abstract

  Since 2013, a critical edition of the writings of Rudolf Steiner (SKA) is being published by frommann-holzboog publishing house in Stuttgart, Germany. This first academic edition of the essential works of the founder of anthroposophy, which observers have called a ›turning point‹ in academic Steiner research, triggered a wide range of reactions. The present article discusses the conception, development, and outlook of this edition, gives an overview of its critical reception within academic and anthroposophical research on Steiner, and closes with a bibliography of existing literature on this editorial project.

Open Access

Articles:

• Hartmut Traub: Esoterologie. Ein philosophischer Beitrag zur Esoterikforschung
  
  Abstract

  The main intention of the article is to propose a new perspective for the academic study of esotericism by introducing the concept of esoterology. It is methodically based on a structural-functionalistic analysis of the dialectical dimension of the esoteric/exoteric dichotomy in philosophical debate. The focus of the discussion is on three theses and a methodological consideration: 1. The discussion of esotericism in the context of the history of religion and literature is to be supplemented by a systematic philosophical one. While this can already be demonstrated in the philosophy of Plato and Aristoteles, a similar discussion occurred during the age of Enlightenment and is still current in the 20 th century. 2. Accordingly, the history of esotericism can only to a limited extent be understood as a ›history of rejected knowledge‹ (Hanegraaff). 3. Esotericism as a dichotomous relational concept can only be discussed in a meaningful way if the concept of exotericism is associated with it. Methodologically, the analysis follows a structural-functionalist approach that focuses on the tension between esoteric and exoteric knowledge less in terms of content and more from a functional perspective, which also makes it possible to discuss contemporary fields of knowledge by way of the esoterological approach.

Open Access

• Johannes Kiersch: Über den Begriff der Bewusstseinsseele bei Rudolf Steiner
  
  Abstract

  The concept of ›consciousness soul‹ (Bewusstseinsseele) is part of the terminological core of Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophy. It has been discussed to a certain extent within the isolated discourse among anthroposophically oriented researchers, but has so far hardly been acknowledged in academic studies on Steiner. The present article undertakes a first systematic mapping of the research area in which this term can be meaningfully located, discussing three frameworks that have appeared so far as promising and hermeneutically appropriate approaches to the difficult subject.

Open Access

• Hartmut Traub: Der Erzähler Rudolf Steiner. Studien zur Hermeneutik der Anthroposophie

Open Access