Truth and Knowledge: Introduction to the Philosophy of Spiritual Activity (CW 3)

Written thesis, 1891; published in 1892 by Herman Weissbach, Weimar (CW 3)

This work, essentially Rudolf Steiner’s doctoral dissertation, subtitled “Introduction to the Philosophy of Freedom,” is just that―an essential work in the foundations of spiritual science. In it, the epistemological foundations of spiritual knowledge are clearly and logically presented.

Originally published with The Philosophy of Freedom in a single volume, this work is fundamental to an understanding of that work (Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path) and to a more complete comprehension of the philosophical basis of Steiner’s spiritual science.

This book is essential reading for all serious students of Anthroposophy.

Truth and Knowledge is a translation from German of Wahrheit und Wissenschaft (GA 3).

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner's multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.