Rudolf Steiner Audio CW 164 The Value of Thinking: Lecture 10 [sixth lecture of second section] (Dornach, 9 October 1915) by Rudolf Steiner
Sep 7, 2024
Rudolf Steiner delves into the significance of thinking within spiritual science, arguing that modern materialistic science necessitates a spiritual inquiry. He discusses findings linking brain structure to criminality and the ethical implications of viewing crime purely through a material lens. Critiquing contemporary philosophy, he promotes Goethe's scientific method to enhance perception and transformation. Steiner emphasizes the impact of education on the etheric body and explores the psychological roots of social hatred, asserting that feelings dictate ideas and political views.
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Occipital Atavism And Criminality
- Criminal brains often show a reduced occipital lobe that barely covers the cerebellum, correlating with criminal behavior in studies.
- Rudolf Steiner argues this anatomical atavism suggests a reversion toward monkey-like brain organization in criminals.
Materialism Meets Ethical Consequences
- Accepting criminal-anthropology facts forces materialists to conclude brain structure determines moral behavior.
- Steiner warns denying these results would be scientific ostrich politics.
Birthday Toast Reveals A Rift
- Steiner recounts attending Ernst Haeckel's 60th birthday where philosophers and scientists revealed mutual misunderstanding.
- Rudolf Eucken's toast joking about Haeckel's tie illustrated the gulf between philosophy and sensory science.
