Biodynamic agriculture: A paradigmatic analysis.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive foundation for understanding the paradigm of biodynamic agriculture. An analytic model developed by Guba (1990) was used to provide agricultural practitioners and agricultural education and extension professionals a focused frame of reference. Practiced worldwide since 1924, biodynamics is the oldest alternative agricultural movement and a "grandparent" of many of today's alternative agricultural practices. However, relatively few people in North America fully understand biodynamics.;Paradigms are most comprehensively characterized by describing their ontology, epistemology and methodology, according to Egon Guba's article in The Paradigm Dialog in 1990. A review of these three aspects in the vast biodynamic literature revealed that biodynamic methods are derived from a complex ontology that includes spiritual-physical matrix of forces at work in agriculture. Although difficult to achieve, an understanding of this matrix is essential for a full and systematic implementation of a biodynamic farm. Individual methods, however, can be and have been adopted without a grasp of the whole paradigm.;The study documents and clarifies the essential beliefs that underpin the practices of biodynamics. These beliefs fall into the following three categories: (1) Beliefs about the nature of reality with regard to agriculture (ontological beliefs); (2) Beliefs about the nature of the relationship between the practitioner and agriculture, (epistemological beliefs); and (3) Beliefs about how the biodynamic practitioner should go about working with agriculture (methodological beliefs).;Rudolf Steiner, the originator of biodynamics, advocated use of the best traditional practices (biological aspects of the methods). He advocated new methods and perspectives derived from his insight into the spiritual-physical matrix of forces (dynamic aspects of the methods). His epistemology suggests the appropriate role of the farmer is in a diagnosis and therapy approach toward managing a healthy farm; diverse, integrated and balanced.;A summary, interpretation, extensive recommendations for adoption and diffusion, and Knowledge Map