Karl König

Karl König with his professors in Vienna, 1925

Karl König Institute & Archive

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Karl König (1902–1966) was an Austrian pediatrician, author, and founder of the Camphill Movement, which is an initiative for creating communities that integrate people with developmental disabilities, mental health problems, and other support needs. Born in Vienna, König grew up in a time of great social and political upheaval, which influenced his later work and philosophies.

Early Life and Education

Karl König was born into a Jewish family in Vienna, Austria. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna, where he developed a deep interest in pediatrics and the works of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. This interest led him to explore alternative methods of education and support for children and adults with disabilities.

Career and Camphill Movement

After fleeing the Nazi regime due to his Jewish heritage, König settled in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1939. It was here that he founded the first Camphill community in 1940, with a group of young physicians and teachers who were also refugees. The community was based on the principles of anthroposophy, aiming to create a living and working environment where every member, regardless of their physical, mental, or emotional condition, could contribute to the community life.

The Camphill Movement grew from this single community in Scotland to an international organization with over 100 communities across the globe, including in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. These communities range from schools for children with special needs to vocational training centers and residential homes for adults with disabilities.

Philosophy and Work

Karl König's work was deeply influenced by anthroposophy, and he sought to apply its principles to the care and education of individuals with disabilities. He believed in the value and potential of every individual, regardless of their condition, and advocated for a society where people of all abilities live and work together as equals. König's approach was holistic, focusing on the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual development of individuals within the community.

Legacy

Karl König's legacy is evident in the ongoing work of the Camphill communities around the world. His writings, which include books, essays, and lectures on education, medicine, and social renewal, continue to inspire those working in the fields of special education and community living. The Karl König Institute was established to preserve his work and to continue research in the fields he was passionate about.

Selected Works

König wrote extensively on a variety of topics related to education, medicine, and social issues. Some of his notable works include:

• The Child with Special Needs
• The Community in the Social World
• The First Three Years of the Child

See Also

• Anthroposophy
• Rudolf Steiner
• Special Education
• Community Living