In his book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions,Thomas Kuhn describes the importance of identifying the paradigms that influence the course of scientific research.  It is not possible to explain achievements and breakthroughs simply by examining the methods of the successful scientist.  We need to understand many layers of the cultural context in which he worked, and to trace their influences.

This challenge faces spiritual scientists (us) as well.  How well do we understand the factors that influence our research?  The primary influence, of course, is Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), who introduced anthroposophy at the turn of the last century.  Then, there are 100s (1000's?) of researchers who have taken up the work in surprisingly diverse ways, generating a vast body of literature and practical achievements. And today, at the beginning of the 21st century, a new generation of researchers is emerging, with quite different ideas about what constitutes research.  (See for instance, the Think Outword link in Upcoming Events below.)

What is spiritual scientific research, today?  Given all the diversity of activity, how are we connected?  Is it possible, through organs like the research section in this eNews, to begin seeing what unites us?

Read on...

Mark

"Idealists make other people wealthy."  Attributed to Henry Ford