2017/07/18 by Eric Kurlander · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Environmental Science · #Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices #History of Science and Natural History #Polar Research and Ecology
paper · doi:10.12987/yale/9780300189452.003.0005
openalex publication_date 2017/07/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
This chapter looks systemically at the application of the ‘border sciences’ promoted by many Nazis, including astrology, World Ice Theory, and ‘biodynamic’ agriculture, between 1933 and 1941. In terms of astrology and parapsychology, biodynamic agriculture, and World Ice Theory, the regime's approach was often highly public. High-profile support for border science is evident in the regime employing biodynamic agriculture to prepare the athletics grounds for the 1936 Olympics or in Hitler and Himmler promoting World Ice Theory as official science despite the opposition of the entire academic establishment. Similarly, when it comes to anthroposophy's border scientific approach to ‘higher knowledge’ — whether in terms of radiesthesia, natural healing, or biodynamic agriculture — a remarkable number of Nazis expressed enthusiasm and support. During the Second World War, this border scientific approach to decision-making and policy helped facilitate projects both fantastical and monstrous.