Science Of Freedom Workbook
Text: "The Philosophy of Freedom" by Rudolf Steiner
Topic 3.1 Chapter 3 Thinking As The Instrument Of Knowledge
3.1 Exceptional State
Naturalism
[7] In sequence of time, observation actually comes before thought. For even thought we must first learn to know by means of observation. It was essentially a description of an observation when, at the beginning of this chapter, we showed how thought is kindled by an objective process (billiard event) and goes beyond what is given, transcending the event. It is through observation that we first become aware of whatever enters the circle of our experience. The content of our sensations, perceptions, opinions, our feelings, acts of will, dreams and imaginations, memory images, concepts and Ideas, illusions and hallucinations, are all given to us through observation.
Theism
[8] As an object of observation thought differs essentially from all other things. The observation of a table or a tree occurs as soon as these objects enter the horizon of my experience. Yet I do not, at the same time, observe my thought about these things. I observe the table, and I carry on a process of thought about the table, but I do not at the same moment observe this thought process. If I want to observe the table while at the same time observe my thoughts about it, I have to remain in a place outside any activity of my own.
Intuitionism
While the observation of things and events, and thinking about them, is the everyday state that occupies my normal life, the observation of the thoughts themselves require entering an exceptional state. It is important to understand the exceptional state, because we are going to compare thought, as an object of observation, to all other observed things. We must be clear that when we observe thought we apply the same method we use to study all other world-content, but which in the ordinary course of that study is usually not applied to thought itself.
Worldview Of Materialism
"There are people so constituted that it is not possible for them to find the way to the Spirit, and to give them any proof of the Spirit will always be hard."
"They stick to something they know about, in accordance with their nature."
"Let us say they stick at something that makes the crudest kind of impression on them — Materialism."
"Materialism writings hold good in the first place for material life, for the material world and its laws."
Rudolf Steiner, Human And Cosmic Thought
Materialistic State and Limitations in Entering the Introspective State
In Steiner's philosophy, the Materialistic state of consciousness is defined by a focus on the physical and the tangible. Individuals in this state prioritize the immediate experience of what can be directly observed and measured, often overlooking or not fully comprehending the non-material aspects of existence, such as human interpretation or reflection.
For someone in this Materialistic State, engaging in introspection, or the exceptional state of observing thinking, is challenging. Their attention is largely on the external, physical world, with thoughts and understanding deeply anchored in sensory and material experiences. This mindset tends to limit their appreciation for or ability to engage in the process of self-reflection and examination of their own thought processes. The non-material realm that must be entered to observe thought, remains unrecognized or undervalued.
In a materialistic view, thought is often seen as a consequence of physical brain processes, a viewpoint that can reduce consciousness and thinking to mere outcomes of mechanical actions. This reductionist approach implies that introspection, or the reflection on one's own thoughts, is merely another mechanical process rather than a means to gain deeper insights or understanding. Their cognitive activities are viewed as automatic responses to external stimuli, lacking a quest for deeper meaning or self-awareness. Consequently, materialism frequently emphasizes empirical, measurable knowledge, which can lead to a devaluation or skepticism of introspective practices like meditation or contemplation that delve into subjective experiences and thoughts.
In a purely materialistic worldview, where thought is considered a product of material processes (mechanical necessity), the very concept of 'matter' reflecting upon itself seems paradoxical. Matter, by its nature, does not possess the capability for self-awareness, introspection, or deep reflection. It simply exists and acts according to the laws of physics and chemistry, without any inclination towards self-examination or questioning its existence. Therefore, those who adopt a materialistic perspective on thought may not see much merit in introspective activities supposedly directed by some kind of human spirit or "self" in a non-material realm of thought. They tend to focus on the external and observable world, often at the expense of the inner realm of conscious experience and reflection, which are less tangible and more challenging to quantify by materialistic standards. In contrast to this materialistic state of everyday life, the observation of thought is an "exceptional" state, meaning unusual and not likely to happen very often.
These quotes from topic 3.1 reflect the worldview of Materialism in the following ways:
"It is through observation that we first become aware of whatever enters the circle of our experience. The content of our sensations, perceptions, opinions, our feelings, acts of will, dreams and imaginations, memory images, concepts and Ideas, illusions and hallucinations, are all given to us through observation."
This quote aligns with the viewpoint of Materialism by suggesting that our initial awareness and understanding of anything in our environment come through observing it. The materialistic perspective values empirical evidence and observable facts, considering these as the most reliable sources of knowledge about the world. The quote encompasses not only the sensory experiences (sensations, perceptions) but also internal processes (opinions, feelings, acts of will) and more abstract phenomena (dreams, imaginations, memory images, concepts, and ideas) as being accessible through observation. In materialism, even these non-physical aspects of experience are often conceptualized as being ultimately rooted in or linked to physical processes (like neural activities in the brain). Therefore, the quote reflects a materialistic approach by highlighting the primacy of immediate observation in understanding all aspects of our experience, including those that are internal or abstract.
"The observation of a table or a tree occurs as soon as these objects enter the horizon of my experience. Yet I do not, at the same time, observe my thought about these things."
The quote illustrates a key materialistic perspective. It emphasizes the immediate, sensory perception of the external world (the table or tree) while noting that thoughts about these objects are not observed in the same way. This distinction reflects the materialistic focus on the external, physical world as opposed to the internal world of thought.
"While the observation of things and events, and thinking about them, is the everyday state that occupies my normal life, the observation of the thoughts themselves require entering an exceptional state."
This concept highlights the materialistic view that observing objects, events and the immediate reaction of our set nature is the norm (the "everyday state"), while introspection or self-reflection on one's thoughts is not typical or readily accessible. In a materialistic mindset, where emphasis is placed on material realities, turning inward to observe one’s own thought processes is considered exceptional or out of the ordinary. This mirrors the materialistic inclination to prioritize the physical and tangible over the introspective and abstract.
These quotes underscore a materialistic orientation where sensory observation of the material world is the primary mode of understanding, and introspection or self-observation of thoughts is not the usual state but rather an extraordinary effort, highlighting the distinction between the material world and the less tangible realm of thought. In Steiner's view, transcending materialism and becoming conscious of the deeper aspects of mental activity is key to understanding the full spectrum of human experience, including the realm of free thought and introspection.
MODULE 3.1 Exceptional State
□ STEP 3.1 From the everyday state, to the exceptional state of the observation of thought.
1. INTRODUCTION
In MODULE 3.1 Exceptional State, we explore the critical transition from the Everyday State to the Exceptional State, a journey that marks a significant shift in our cognitive processes and our understanding of the world around us.
The Everyday State represents our routine mode of mental activity. In this state, our thinking is largely outward-focused, directed towards the physical and tangible aspects of our environment. We engage with the world through our senses, responding to and thinking about the material realities that surround us. This state, while essential for practical living and immediate problem-solving, often lacks depth in terms of introspection and reflection on the nature of our thoughts.
In contrast, the Exceptional State is where we elevate our cognitive experience to a higher level of self-awareness and introspection. Here, our focus turns inward, and we become observers of our own thought processes. This state transcends the immediate sensory experiences and material concerns, allowing us to examine the origins, structures, and content of our thoughts. Focused thinking in this realm is a deliberate and conscious effort to understand not just the world around us, but also the patterns and principles that govern our thinking.
Remaining solely in the Everyday State can lead to several limitations. Without the introspection and self-reflection characteristic of the Exceptional State, we may lack a comprehensive understanding of our motivations, desires, and actions. This lack of self-awareness can result in decisions misaligned with our deeper values or long-term goals.
The focus on external realities in the Everyday State often results in a superficial understanding of the world. Without delving into the Exceptional State, our understanding of events and experiences remains on the surface, preventing us from grasping their underlying causes and deeper meanings. This superficial approach can lead to a lack of critical thinking and conformity to societal norms, as we may be less inclined to question prevailing beliefs or explore innovative ideas.
The Everyday State's emphasis on immediate, surface-level thinking limits our ability to engage in critical analysis and complex reasoning. Higher-order thinking, which involves analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information, requires the depth of thought found in the Exceptional State. Higher thinking involves abstract reasoning, understanding ideas not directly tied to tangible objects or immediate experiences. Without this depth, we struggle to fully understand complex issues or develop well-reasoned solutions.
Advancing from the Everyday State to the Exceptional State is crucial for achieving a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of ourselves and the world. This transition enables us to engage in focused thinking in the realm of thought, leading to better decision-making and fostering personal and societal growth.
Everyday State: Refers to the everyday common, habitual mode of mental activity where individuals engage with the external world. A person reacts in accordance with their established nature.
Exceptional State: This is a state of introspective observation where individuals turn their focus inward to observe and analyze their own past thoughts. One recalls a past thought-process, examining the origin, structure, and content of the thoughts.
Focused Thinking
To move into the Exceptional State, where we become observers of our own thought processes, requires a shift in our cognitive approach. For example, imagine you are walking through a park in the Everyday State, observing the trees, the people playing games, and the birds flying overhead. Your thoughts are reactions to these observations – perhaps thinking about the species of a tree or the rules of a game you see being played. This is the Everyday State, where your thought process is a direct response to your sensory experiences.
To move into the Exceptional State, you would begin by consciously directing your attention away from these external stimuli and instead focus inwardly to recall the thought process that just occurred. You might start by asking yourself, "Why did I find that particular tree interesting?" or "What were my thoughts about the people?" This inward focus shifts your cognitive engagement from immediate sensory reactions to an introspective examination of your own thinking.
As you delve deeper, you analyze the origins and patterns of your thoughts. This process might reveal underlying preferences or biases that influenced your attention and reaction. For instance, you might realize that the tree reminded you of childhood memories in a similar park, or the people intrigued you due to their seriousness in playing the game.
In the Exceptional State, your thoughts thus become the objects of observation themselves. You're not just thinking; you're thinking about your thinking. This meta-cognitive process allows you to understand not just the external world, but also your internal cognitive landscape and how it interacts with the world.
Such focused thinking is transformative. It leads to greater self-awareness and insight, enabling you to recognize the automatic patterns of your thought and potentially reframe or redirect them. It also fosters deeper cognitive abilities, such as critical thinking and reflective reasoning. Your everyday experience can become the starting point for deeper reflection about life. By practicing this shift regularly, you train your mind to not only react to the world around you but also to understand the 'how' and 'why' behind your reactions and to open the door to deeper knowledge.
2. LIFE EXAMPLES
Scenario: Do It Yourself (DIY) Enthusiast
Stage 1 - Everyday State: A DIY enthusiast takes on various home improvement projects, thinking about the best methods and materials to use for each task.
Stage 2 - Exceptional State: After completing a project, the enthusiast reflects on their decision-making process. They recognize that their choices were often influenced by online tutorials and ease of material availability. This reflection leads them to consider other factors like long-term durability and aesthetic appeal in future projects, thereby enhancing their DIY planning and execution.
Scenario: Online Shopper
Stage 1 - Everyday State: A frequent online shopper makes quick decisions when purchasing products, often choosing items endorsed by celebrities or with high ratings.
Stage 2 - Exceptional State: Upon reflecting on these shopping habits, the shopper realizes they have a cognitive bias influencing their choices — the bandwagon effect. They recognize that their purchases are often swayed by the popularity of items and social proof rather than individual need or product quality. This introspection leads them to research products more thoroughly in the future, considering their actual utility and value rather than just going by popular opinion.
Scenario: Book Club Member
Stage 1 - Everyday State: A book club member reads a novel and forms an opinion that the story is a simple adventure tale without much depth.
Stage 2 - Exceptional State: Upon further reflection on this initial thought, the member thinks more critically about the themes and characters. This leads to the realization that the novel contains subtle social commentaries and complex character development that they had initially overlooked, enriching their appreciation and understanding of the book.
Scenario: Ethnic Neighborhoods
Stage 1 - Everyday State: A commuter regularly travels through ethnic neighborhoods. They observe people, often categorizing them based on appearance, forming quick impressions based on clothing, behavior, and other external characteristics.
Stage 2 - Exceptional State: One day, the commuter reflects on these impressions and realizes they are rooted in personal biases. They begin to question why certain styles of dress or behaviors trigger specific judgments, leading to a deeper understanding of their subconscious biases and a more open approach to meeting new people.
Scenario: Local Hiker
Stage 1 - Everyday State: A local hiker explores various trails, forming opinions about their difficulty and scenic value.
Stage 2 - Exceptional State: Upon reflecting on these thoughts, the hiker considers why they judged certain trails as they did. They recognize that their assessments were based on personal physical fitness level and a preference for certain natural landscapes. This realization leads them to think more objectively about trail characteristics and consider other hikers' perspectives in future evaluations.
Scenario: Avid Reader
Stage 1 - Everyday State: An avid reader enjoys fantasy novels and often daydreams, blurring the lines between the fantastical worlds in the books and reality. They sometimes catch themselves expecting magical solutions to real-life problems.
Stage 2 - Exceptional State: The reader starts to recognize when their thoughts become illusional. They reflect on these moments, understanding how engaging with fantasy literature influences their perception of reality. This awareness helps them distinguish between imaginative enjoyment and practical solutions to everyday challenges.
3. THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM TOPIC 3.1 QUOTE
"If I want to observe the table while at the same time observe my thoughts about it, I have to remain in a place outside any activity of my own."
The quote addresses the challenge of directing our full attention simultaneously to both an external object (like a table) and our internal thoughts about that object. When we engage with something in our environment, such as observing a table, our cognitive focus is predominantly on this external stimulus. Simultaneously, our mind generates thoughts about the table. In everyday life these thoughts typically occur in the background of our consciousness, without our direct focus or active engagement.
This simultaneous occurrence of external observation and internal thought processing indicates that we're not fully concentrating our mental faculties on either. We can't actively "think about thinking" while our thought process is engaged in observing or analyzing the table because our cognitive attention is divided. The mind doesn't fully engage in introspection or meta-cognition at this moment, as it's partially occupied with the external object.
The quote's reference to remaining "in a place outside any activity of our own" suggests a state where neither the external object nor the internal thought process is granted complete attention. It’s a sort of intermediate, everyday state where both external observation and internal thought chatter coexist, but without deep engagement or focused reflection on either. We are passively experiencing both the observation of the table and our thoughts about it, without delving deeply into the nature of these thoughts or the act of thinking itself.
The quote illuminates a common cognitive experience where our attention is split between external objects and internal thoughts, but not fully directed towards or actively engaged with either. This split state contrasts with two focused attention states, one, where the full cognitive attention is directed on the object we are thinking about and two, the full attention is directed on recalling the past thought that was produced by the thinking.
4. REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF PURE THINKING
Objective: Experience the joy of soaring into the realm of concepts.
Does the act of observation used to observe an object in the world differ from the method of observation used to observe thought? How does the self-reflection on one’s thoughts increase personal growth and development? What are some common reasons or fears that might prevent someone from deeply examining their own thoughts?
5. CROSSROADS OF CONSCIENCE
In the verdant embrace of the countryside, under a boundless sky, a car trailed along a winding road. John, a successful company lawyer with a sharp analytical mind, steered the vehicle. His wife, Mary, gentle and nurturing, sat beside him, her hand a comforting presence on his. He had insisted she join this business trip, knowing her distaste for the empty house. In the back, Richard and Lisa, colleagues rather than friends, filled the air with idle chatter. John’s thoughts, always leaning towards the pragmatic, were already at the Monday meeting, the plush resort, the sheen of professionalism.
In an instant, tranquility shattered. A deer bolted, a wheel turned too sharply, the world spun—a dance with fate, ending in a violent stillness. The car lay overturned, the eerie quiet pierced only by the ghostly whirr of a spinning wheel.
John’s eyes opened to a tableau of ruin. Richard and Lisa, stunned, their faces streaked with blood, moaned weakly. Mary, motionless beside him, breathed in shallow, ragged gasps. His heart, steady and calm, calculated the grim odds: Richard and Lisa could survive; Mary’s chances were bleak.
His mind’s first leap was to Mary—to stay, to hold her, to anchor her fleeting life with his presence. Yet, a second thought surfaced, standard emergency protocols dictate assisting those with the best chance of survival first: the logical choice was to assist Richard and Lisa first, the ones most likely to survive.
Time stretched, warped by the gravity of choice. Mary’s face, a serene canvas momentarily untouched by the chaos around them, flickered with fleeting consciousness. As her eyes fluttered open, they met John's in a silent, profound communication. In her gaze, he saw a depth of need and unspoken pleas, a silent entreaty for him to stay, to be the anchor in her final moments. Her eyes, brimming with a complex mix of fear, love, and unyielding trust, were a mirror to their life together — the joy of shared laughter, the pain of shared struggles, a rich tapestry of moments woven through years of companionship.
John grappled with the thoughts cascading through his mind. His vows to Mary echoed, a symphony of love and commitment. But another melody played—a tune of ethical duty, of the greater good. His mind became an arena where emotions and logic clashed in a tumultuous battle.
In that moment of profound turmoil, something extraordinary occurred. John found himself looking down upon the crash scene from above, as though detached from his physical body. The perspective was surreal, almost ethereal. Time appeared to freeze, and in this suspension, John delved deeply into the maze of his thoughts.
He first examined the emotional pull to remain with Mary. This impulse, he realized, was not just a raw, unfiltered emotion but a complex tapestry woven from years of shared experiences, promises made, and love nurtured. It was the kind of loyalty and devotion that had been the cornerstone of their relationship. Yet, as he dissected this desire to stay with her, he acknowledged that it was also tinged with a fear of letting go, of facing a future without her. This thought was a blend of selflessness and selfishness, a love so profound yet so intricately tied to his own identity and existence.
Then, John shifted his focus to the drive to save Richard and Lisa. This thought process was structured very differently. It was logical, almost clinical in its assessment of the situation. Here, the principles of ethics and morality came into play – the greater good, the utilitarian perspective of saving the many over the few. But as he unraveled this line of reasoning, he discovered underlying layers there too. There was a sense of duty, a societal expectation to act as a savior. It was a thought born out of a learned sense of what was 'right,' yet it also silently questioned the value of a single life, especially when weighed against multiple lives.
In this extraordinary out-of-body experience, John found himself analyzing the origin, structure, and content of these conflicting thoughts. He recognized that each was a reflection of different facets of his being – the emotional, deeply human side, and the rational, socially-conditioned side. Both were integral parts of who he was, yet in this critical moment, they seemed irreconcilably opposed.
Suddenly, John was back in the harsh reality of the crash site, the decision looming over him like a specter, at the crossroads of John's conscience. One path leads to a final, heart-wrenching goodbye to his dying wife, a testament to love and devotion. The other, a path of the greatest social good, a chance to save lives.
6. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF OBSERVING THOUGHT
Objective: Adopt an individualistic attitude aligned with principles of freedom.
- Observation Exercise: Observe an object or a scene, like watching a sunset, a busy street, or even a household object. Recall the thoughts you formed. Reflect on the thought process that led to these thoughts. Consider the influences, assumptions, and emotions that shaped this process.
- Thought Tracing: Choose a specific thought that frequently recurs in your mind. Trace this thought back to its origin. Ask yourself questions like: When did I first think this? What prompted it? How has this thought evolved over time? This practice helps you understand the genesis and development of your thoughts, providing insight into your cognitive patterns.
- Thought Dissection: When a significant thought occurs, mentally 'dissect' it. Break it down into its components – beliefs, facts, assumptions, emotions. Evaluate each component: Is it based on fact or assumption? Is it influenced by emotion? Dissecting thoughts in this way helps in understanding their structure and basis.
7. CLOSING THOUGHTS
In Module 3.1 Exceptional State, we took the transformative journey from the everyday state of mind, where our thoughts and reactions are largely influenced by external stimuli of normal life, to the exceptional state, a realm of focused thinking and introspection. In this state, we not only observe the world around us but then turn our gaze inward, scrutinizing the very process of our thinking. This shift is not just an exercise in thoughtfulness; it is a profound exploration of the self and our place in the world.
Consider the example of a professional facing a challenging ethical decision at work. In the everyday state, their decision might be reactionary, based on immediate pressures or superficial analysis. However, by entering the exceptional state, this individual pauses to examine their underlying motivations and the broader implications of their choices. This introspective journey reveals not just the immediate factors influencing their decision but also deeper personal values and long-term consequences.
The benefits of such focused thinking extend far beyond the individual. When we understand the origins and structures of our thoughts, our decision-making becomes more informed and balanced. We learn to identify biases and correct flawed thinking patterns, leading to choices that are not only beneficial for ourselves but also for our community and society.
The practice of introspectively observing and analyzing thoughts significantly enhances our critical thinking skills. We become adept at questioning assumptions, rigorously evaluating evidence, and considering diverse perspectives. This skill is invaluable in a world where complex problems require nuanced and multifaceted solutions.
On a societal level, the cultivation of a reflective society, where introspective observation is a common practice, holds immense promise. Such a society is likely to be more thoughtful, tolerant, and open-minded to other viewpoints. The regular engagement in introspection by individuals fosters a social environment conducive to constructive dialogue, empathetic understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.
The journey from the everyday state to the exceptional state is not just a personal endeavor; it is a societal imperative. By fostering enhanced self-awareness, improved decision-making, and sharpened critical thinking skills, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the creation of a more reflective, understanding, and progressive society.
