The latent esotericism in modern science and statistics

Abstract

The oft-prevailing attitude towards science from those working within anthroposophy or Waldorf education has at times fluctuated between self-suiting praise and open derision. In contrast, Steiner himself placed great importance on science and the scientific method, all-the-while alluding to limitations of imprisoning investigation in philosophical materialism and muddling percepts and concepts. After outlining four common prejudices against science (i.e., demonstration of the obvious, obsession with numbers, too reductionist, hypotheses represent bias), I then turn to discuss the science of statistics, which in recent years has taken on an increasingly esoteric, phenomenological form. Newer forms of science appear to have commonalities with Steiner‘s idea of four manifestations of being, which are subsequently outlined. Finally, parallels with and dangers upon this scientific, philosophy-of-freedom path are briefly alluded to.