Anthroposophical Climate Science Denial
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Climate science denial has a perhaps surprisingly strong standing in anthroposophy. Anthroposophical deniers of climate science usually do not contest the existence of global warming, but they ascribe it to “cosmic” processes that are largely described in astrological terms. Thoroughly refuted claims that ongoing global warming depends on variations in solar activity have been adopted by anthroposophists. This article proposes three major explanations for the persistence of climate science denial in the anthroposophical movement: Anthroposophists constantly look for guidance on scientific issues in the writings of their founder Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), who made claims far off from the mainstream science of his time. They consider the material world to be constantly influenced by “spiritual” factors, including astrological constellations and a host of supernatural beings. Finally, they cherish ideas on a predetermined, largely cyclic, cosmic plan, of which humanity is a part.
Source: Critical Research on Religion
Author: Sven Ove Hansson
Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W4283768611