Publisher's Synopsis
In this fine introduction to Waldorf education, written out of a series of lectures given in 1924, Steiner provides one of the most comprehensive introductions to his pedagogical philosophy, psychology, and practice. Steiner begins by describing the union of science, art, religion and morality, which was the aim of all his work and underlies his concept of education.
Against this background, many of the lectures describe a new developmental psychology. On this basis, having established how children's consciousness develops, Steiner discusses how different subjects should be presented so that individuals can grow and flourish inwardly. Only if the child absorbs the right subject in the right way at the right time can the inner freedom so necessary for life in the modern world become second nature.
A newer translation is published as A Modern Art of Education.
C O N T E N T S
1. Science, Art, Religion, and Morality
2. Principles of Greek Education
3. Greek Education and the Middle Ages
4. The Connection of the Spirit with Bodily Organs
5. The Emancipation of the Will in the Human Organism
6. Walking, Speaking, Thinking
7. The Rhythmic System, Sleeping and Waking, Imitation
8. Reading, Writing, and Nature Study
9. Arithmetic, Geometry, History
10. Physics, Chemistry, Handwork, Language, Religion
11. Memory, Temperaments, Bodily Culture, and Art
12. Education toward Inner Freedom
Special Lecture: Three Epochs in the Religious Education of Man
Farewell Address, August 17, 1923 (evening)
