What scholars call the “foundation of Liberal Arts” – the Trivium – is taught in order that one may expand to other subjects, building upon the skills learned. These subjects have been […]
The Quadrivium
Trivium: Rhetoric
We’re back with the third part of the Trivium: Rhetoric. Rhetoric is the art of persuasion through communications, either written or spoken. There are always two components to rhetoric – the rhetoric […]
Beethoven’s Last Work – Ode to Joy
As a classically trained musician, I often frame the way I think about the mysteries of the universe in terms of music. I love the quote of Einstein where he says, “I […]
Trivium: Logic or Dialectica
Today’s theme is Logic, or as seen the picture here, Dialectica. As the New Catholic Encyclopedia states, “Logic is the science and art which so directs the mind in the process of […]
The Seven Liberal Arts – The Trivium
There is a real affinity for the goals of Freemasonry and the Seven Liberal Arts. From earliest teachings, we see that they are the foundation of many degree rites, the first of […]
Tolerance and Debate
Debate is described, by Merriam Webster, as “a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.” Tolerance, by the same […]
The Virtue of Industry
In the modern era, we hear the word “industry” and tend to think of large brick buildings, chimneys billowing smoke, workers trudging in through large iron gates to manipulate gears and cogs […]
Complacency
Are you comfortable? Are you warm, well-fed, and dry? Do you have enough to drink? Warm showers? Bathroom indoors? Excellent. This isn’t judgement. You, like me, are a benefactor of decades and […]
Stewards of the Earth: Improvements in California’s Drought Crisis
In 2015, the State of California faced one of the most severe droughts on record. Governor Jerry Brown had declared a drought “State of Emergency” in January of 2014 and directed state officials […]
What is Literature? Bob Dylan and the Nobel Prize
In 2016, Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, sparking controversy as to whether song lyrics constitute literature. What is literature, and does Bob Dylan’s work qualify him for the […]
MASONIC PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY 