The Rudolf Steiner Archive

This book first appeared in 1886. In it, Steiner approaches the epistemological question, “How Does One Know?” His point of departure is the more-or-less unexpressed epistemology of Goethe in his scientific writings and elsewhere. This is a good introduction to Goethe's methodology.

This First English Edition was designed by Peter Döblin, and translated by Olin D. Wannamaker.

• Publisher's Notes
• Translator's Preface
• Preface to the New Edition
• Foreword to the First Edition

A. Preliminary Questions

1. The Point of Departure
2. Goethe's Science Considered According to the Method of Schiller
3. The Function of This Branch of Science

B. Experience

4. Definition of the Concept of Experience
5. Examination of the Content of Experience
6. Correction of an Erroneous Conception of Experience As a Totality
7. Reference to the Experience of the Individual Reader

C. Thought

8. Thinking as a Higher Experience within Experience
9. Thought and Consciousness
10. The Inner Nature of Thought

D. Knowledge

11. Thought and Perception
12. Intellect and Reason
13. The Act of Cognition
14. Cognition and the Ultimate Foundation of Things

E. The Science of Nature

15. Inorganic Nature
16. Organic Nature

F. The Spiritual, or Cultural, Sciences

17. Introduction: Spirit and Nature
18. Psychological Cognition
19. Human Freedom
20. Optimism and Pessimism

G. Conclusion

21. Scientific Knowledge and Artistic Creation

• Exposition in Brief