Freemasonry: a Philosophical Proposal.

"The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself."

Thales

So what is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is, essentially, a philosophical proposal. Philosophy from the Greek word meaning “Love of Wisdom”, is the all encompassing field of human study that seeks to study and understand through the use of reason the following disciplines:

Epistemology: is the study of knowledge. How much knowledge can we acquire? What methods can we use? Freemasonry bridges secular spirituality, classical philosophy, science and Humanities in its enquiry.

Ontology: this is the study of the Self, of consciousness and the meaning of Being. Freemasonry has the study of the Self as one of its main objectives. “Know Thyself” as the Ancient Greeks put it.

Metaphysics: is the study of reality and existence. Freemasonry looks at the hidden meaning of symbols and asks the big questions that accompany the human condition. Some Freemasons believe in an afterlife, others don’t. But all work together in the common ship that is humanity.

Logic: this is the philosophical discipline that looks at how sound one argument is as opposed to another one. In Freemasonry, a wide array of topics are discussed in our lodge meetings through “Pieces of Architecture” or essays prepared by members.

Ethics: this discipline involves itself with the work of determining what is good and morally sound. Freemasonry defines itself as a moral science. For some Freemasons the moral compass is determined by a Supreme Being. For other Freemasons, morality is inherent to what being human means.

Aesthetics: is the study of beauty. Beauty is a very important aspect of Masonic ritual and symbology. Freemasonry originated in the guilds of stone masons and builders, who constructed beautiful cathedrals and edifices. Masonic buildings and temples are adorned with the beautiful symbols of the fraternity.

So, Freemasonry is often described in many different ways, often in a negative light due to its secrecy. But Freemasonry is, in essence, a philosophical proposal destined to provide its members with a form of secular spirituality, intellectual enquiry, philosophical betterment and a charitable disposition.

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