Connecticut Study Center

Is “The Ugly Duckling” a Story of an Initiatory Journey?
Date: 5/6/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Literature
Presenter: Janet Castro
Synopsis: The Ugly Duckling is a classic-contemporary tale written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1843.The story tells of an ugly duckling born in a barnyard. Teased by his brothers and sisters as well as by other animals he decided to leave home and run far away. After a series of dangerous adventures and experiencing a harsh winter where the poor duckling almost died frozen, spring came just for him to discover he had transformed into a beautiful swan. This old children story may have more import for adults than we may believe. Can we extract some life lessons from the Ugly Duckling? And what is an Initiation and what does it mean for Freemasons?

Why Do We Want Words to Express Feelings After Experiencing Anothers Death?
Date: 6/10/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Behavioral Science
Presenter: Dalia Espinosa
Synopsis: The process of grieving has long been studied, but we must be careful not to remove the human element from the experience. Death brings reflection and a mixture of feelings that many desire to express to the person passing. Simple in words, this need to express is difficult as we have yet to experience death ourselves. How, then, do we know what is the best way to present our feelings if we can in no way prepare for the moment of transition? Does Freemasonry give some light on the topic of death and the words to help us say what we feel?

Should Certain Books Be Banned?
Date: 7/15/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Literature
Presenter: Isaac Levy
Synopsis: America prides itself on the First Amendment, the freedom of speech. However, the American Library Association receives hundreds of complaints annually for certain books to be banned due to offensive ideas, sexually explicit content, or racial context. Many countries have books banned as well. Should certain books be banned from the public? Does this protect society or oppress society? Would Freemasonry, being an institution that fosters learning, advocate the banning of certain publications from the public? Are there certain Masonic books that are "banned" from certain people?

Is Trust the Essential Fabric Holding Society Together?
Date: 7/17/2018 6:30:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Isaac Levy
Synopsis: It is very ironic that people today display trust and mistrust on many levels. We trust the water that we drink is safe, that the bus driver taking us to work wont run that red light, that the surgeon performing surgery on us is sober. We trust people with our lives every single day and yet we dont trust them to tell them our fears, insecurities, or dreams and aspirations, to really put down our barriers and communicate. In this discussion we will explore the nature of trust, its effects on a personal level and a societal level, whether people are "hardwired" to trust, any possible negative aspects, and if our current society is fostering trust or not. Does Freemasonry, being a degree system in which secrets are divulged in steps, foster trust or help develop trust?

What Use does the Pythagorean Theorem Have in Our Daily Lives?
Date: 9/2/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Formal Science
Presenter: Lylia Gonzalezfrayle
Synopsis: The 47th Proposition of Euclid is a very difficult subject for people who do not have too much understanding of Mathematics. Yet, it is the understanding of the relationship of the numbers 3, 4, and 5. In a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the two sides is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. In other words the square of 3 (9), plus the square of 4 (16) is equal to the square of 5 (25), which is the hypotenuse of the right angle triangle. What are the uses of the 47th Proposition? What relationship does it have with Freemasonry?

Could We Manipulate DNA to Extend Human Lifespan?
Date: 10/7/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Formal Science
Presenter: Maryonne Lloyd
Synopsis: Accumulated DNA damage appears to be a limiting factor in the determination of maximum life span. As new scientific discoveries are made could we learn to manipulate DNA and extend lifespan. The Fountain of Youth tales have been recounted across the world for thousands of years and has been a human fascination and obsession for the same amount of time. If our DNA suffers damage with the passing of time, how long should we be able to live? We will explore the scientific and philosophical implications of an extended lifespan and the human quest for the Fountain of Youth. Could Masonic philosophy assist humanity in adjusting to a longer and better life?

Should We Look for Logical Fallacies?
Date: 11/11/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Matias Cumsille
Synopsis: The world is full of a great many ideas that are constantly shared in discussions around dinner tables, on television, in news reports, by politicians and religious leaders, in books, and on social media. This unending exposure can be confusing as it is overwhelming. The Freemason is taught to decipher the good from the false so s/he can navigate the waters of this vast information. Such is the wisdom in this action that in this discussion we will investigate the common logical fallacies used and how we can avoid being duped by them.

Simple Guidance For A Good Life?
Date: 12/9/2018 1:00:00 PM
Topic of Study: Philosophy
Presenter: Dalia Espinosa
Synopsis: There are many places where we can go for guidance on living a good life. What are the points in consideration when we look for good places? How do we find the best way to build a path of peace and happiness? Should we create an individual system or should we gather in groups to follow a set of common believes? Especially in moments of distress the support groups are needed. For instance, death brings reflection and need of company. People that are close are able to understand us and help us express our feelings. What freemasonry offers in these cases? What light can be expected from freemasonry in these cases?