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West Boylston Study Center


West Boylston Study Center
335 Chandler St. Old Tatnuck Bookseller Worcester, MA 01581
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Is the Universe truly logical?
Date: 2/11/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Natural Science
Presenter: Isaac Levy
Synopsis: Logic is a discipline that has been studied for many ages dating back to the times of Socrates. It is used in mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and semantics. Its impact on technology and science has pushed humanity to greater heights. Is the universe in which we dwell truly logical or are there instances that cannot be explained with logic alone? Is Freemasonry another field of study impacted by Logic?

What would be the Ideal way of organizing the world?
Date: 3/11/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: History
Presenter: Janet Castro
Synopsis: Animal Farm is an allegorical novella/fable written by George Orwell, first published in 1945. The plot is how animals reveal themselves to a human being because of the ill-treatment received. After the revolt, there is a state of well-being on the farm in which everyone works to feed themselves and not feed a master, they can vote what is right and what is wrong. They even laid down some commandments in which animals cannot have contact with humans or behave like them. But, as time goes on, the pigs are acquiring power, and Napoleon is the only one who commands and has a vote. It is a matter of time that pigs begin breaking all the commandments and in the end, the pigs adopt a human behavior in such a way that you cannot differentiate Human from Pig. Orwell portrays an interesting movement of good-intentions to power-aquisition as well as many important questions. How do we measure the balance of power? Why do people die for a cause? Leadership being part of the teachings of Freemasonry, what is the opinion of Freemasons on this?

Does science destroy beauty?
Date: 4/8/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Natural Science
Presenter: Matias Cumsille
Synopsis: "To lovers of beauty, Newton brought not peace but a sword." Newton's contribution to science is vast and multifaceted. Modern times hails Newton as one of the greatest scientists of all times, but does all feel such affectionate to father of Classical Physics? Arguably many poets and painters feel that Newton destroyed the beauty of the rainbow. Freemasonry is described as a science and an art but many believe that, just like the rainbow, one can only be a science or an art. Is it possible that art must be sacrificed for science?

Is the human body a microcosm of the universe?
Date: 5/13/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Natural Science
Presenter: Anouk Van Opstal
Synopsis: "Microcosm" is a Western philosophical term designating man as being a “little world” in which the macrocosm, or universe, is reflected. This notion dates from Socratic times and this analogy has served to develop cosmology, astrology, and other fields. With the development of science and physics, can this analogy still be made? Moreover is understanding our microcosm the path to understand the Universe and can Freemasonry illuminate answers to these questions?

Is art the most effective way to condition a society?
Date: 6/10/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Art
Presenter: Isaac Levy
Synopsis: When people think of art they think about great works of art like the Mona Lisa, The Starry Night, famous pieces of architecture, etc. We always think of art as positive. However, has it been used by the forces of tyranny in order to spread chaos and ignorance? Is art the most effective way to condition a society? How does Freemasonry use Art?

Does Freemasonry advocate Anarchy?
Date: 7/8/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Matias Cumsille
Synopsis: When one thinks of anarchy, they think of angry citizens throwing benches at windows of innocent store owners. Why? Because it has been demonized by modern Democracy as a plague to be avoided. Anarchy is a political philosophy that is rarely taught in schools. The word itself has morphed into a synonym for chaos. Yet, in its strict definition, it implies self-governance and voluntary institutions. In fact, Anarchy can be used to describe the freedom of Fraternal Organizations in which membership is based on the time old axiom: of your own free will and accord.

Is a robot more noble than a human?
Date: 11/11/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Behavorial Science
Presenter: Isaac Levy
Synopsis: Robots in science fiction books have been bound by the Three Laws of Robotics; 1) A robot must not harm a human, 2) A robot must obey all orders given to it as long as they don't interfere with Law 1, and 3) A robot must preserve their existence as long as it doesn't interfere with Laws 1 and 2. A robot must place the lives of others above its own. Generally speaking, human beings value their own survival above others. It seems almost as if we operate on the inverse of the Laws of Robotics. Are robots more noble than human beings and how does Robotics relate to Freemasonry?

How do we make tough decision?
Date: 12/9/2017 3:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Anouk Van Opstal
Synopsis: We spend an inordinate amount of time, and a tremendous amount of energy, making choices in everyday situations. We also manage to often turn trivial choices into a tortured mental task. How do we make hard choices? How does one navigate a world of seemingly infinite alternatives? And what happens when the choice is "made" for us"? We will discuss the relationship between reason, value, and instinct and how we navigate the sea of pros and cons as we make decisions that shape our lives. How does Freemasonry help us in making these choices?

School of Pythagoras
Hypatia Quote

Wisdom of Neoplatonism

Hypatia of Alexandria
Mathematician and Astronomer
Personal Writings