Cornelius Sträßer
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Biodynamic consulting and foundation work
In 1989, I completed my degree in Witzenhausen with a thesis that was very important to me personally and that had developed over a long period of time during my studies. The unwieldy title was: "On the methodology and epistemological justification of conventional and Goethean natural science - illustrated using the example of livestock ethology". For me, this was about the question of whether and how science can arrive at such viable (true) findings that decisions can be made based on them, such as how we humans may or may not treat animals. During my studies, I had become familiar with many scientific findings and methods, but this fundamental question had not been addressed as part of the official study program.
From agricultural practice to consulting
Just a brief summary of my career stages - and what was important to me:
- Agricultural practice in organic farming: arable farming, potatoes; combination of practice and very simple research.
- Setting up the Demeter association and cross-association advisory ring in the state of Brandenburg: setting up farms, financing, the basics of biodynamic agriculture, increasing soil fertility on sandy soils, clarifying personal goals, creating space for the realization of ideals, shaping cooperation, coaching in agriculture.
- Continuation of consulting as a freelancer.
- Project manager at the Software AG Foundation = SAGST, within this framework:
- Supporting projects that combine (biodynamic) agriculture with charitable purposes, in particular research projects; as well as projects in the fields of education and integrative medicine,
- Project management of "Juchowo", a 1,800 ha biodynamic dairy farm in Poland; in connection with agriculture, development of social therapy, experiential education and research,
- Working on an own research question for the further development of research methods, which are concerned with knowledge of "individualized conditions" - similar to integrative medicine, where each person can react differently to the same medication.
Looking back on your studies
My studies in Witzenhausen prepared me well for all these activities in various ways:
- 1 year of practice before the degree and ½ year of practice after the fourth semester were required.
- A broad overview of agricultural sciences was offered.
- Contextual thinking was encouraged above all by Prof. Kickuth's courses on ecology, by Prof. Boehncke on animal health and by the conversion exercises on organic farming.
- There was a lot of freedom to acquire and try out knowledge together with other students according to our own needs.
- I was able to learn a lot from the discussions with professors who had different views on agriculture and science to mine.
- The same applies to the discussions in the faculty council, where at the time there was a lot of debate about the importance of organic farming and how examinations other than written exams could be implemented.
- And I had the opportunity to work on an "outsider topic" as my thesis. Special thanks to my supervisors: Thomas van Elsen, Christian Schüler and Engelhard Boehncke.
Fundamental questions of science and agriculture
Looking back, I realize that the various professional activities are all linked to some big questions:
- What do conceptual ideas (like the content of science) mean in relation to reality?
- What is not only "right" (knowledge) but also "good" for people and the world?
- How can the areas of life, soul and spirit be included in the scientific cognitive process alongside the material aspects - without abandoning the basic principles of science?
- How can I make myself an "observation and measuring instrument" for life, soul and spirit?
- How do I act responsibly in view of the fact that my personal cognitive ability only leads me to partial truths, which can always be supplemented and relativized by further aspects? (Not to mention genuine errors)
- What is the connection between the type of land management, food quality and people's health? By health I mean physical as well as mental and spiritual health. In my view, cooperation between agriculture, nutrition and medicine is one of the most urgent tasks if we are to achieve real sustainability.
Particularly in view of the social challenges posed by coronavirus and our understanding of illness, death, life and health, the issues outlined above seem extremely urgent to me.
In the remaining years of my professional career, I want to contribute to answering these fundamental questions and at the same time help to ensure that such ideas can be explored by others and that "good" can be realized. I am pleased that I can also accompany projects that are carried out at the University of Kassel-Witzenhausen and that I find valuable discussion partners there as well.
Comments
Saro Gerd Ratter: What a pleasure to read how one can "successfully" meet the many pressing questions of our time with a broader horizon and what contribution the studies in Witzenhausen could make to this. I also found my studies in Witzenhausen (1982-88) very enriching in this respect and am delighted to be able to support projects for a new agricultural culture and respectful treatment of animals at the Schweisfurth Foundation.