ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part discusses six articles that tie directly to concepts of developmental psychology in relation to Waldorf education. It summarizes that Steiner's understanding of a threefold organization of the human being into body, soul, and spirit integrates cognitive, emotional, volitional, and physical aspects and deserves further research. The part then tracks the critique leveled against Steiner's approach, primarily by Heiner Ullrich, Klaus Prange, Wolfgang Schneider, Ehrenhard Skiera, and Winfried Bohm, and sketches out issues that should be examined in the interest of a fruitful continuance of the discourse. It also deals with the aspect of potential interfaces of Steiner's developmental psychology with newer research. The part discusses the most recent research on the first years of life up to preschool age, introducing the anthroposophical understanding of this life phase, and discusses development in middle childhood.
