A system of morality – Aristotle and the making of the ritual

by Professor G.R. Boys-Stones PAGDC.
now available to purchase on Amazon either as a paperback or Kindle download.

All the proceeds are going to support a Durham-based charity working with vulnerable young people, Building Self-Belief CIO.

Abstract

English Freemasonry defines itself as a ‘system of morality’: but what does that phrase mean? This new study traces it back to the work of William Preston (1742-1818), who argued that Freemasonry teaches a philosophical approach to virtue.

According to Preston, the rituals of Freemasonry are designed to lead the initiate through the ethical thought of Aristotle. His view proved popular, and was decisive in shaping the ritual approved for use by the United Grand Lodge of England shortly after its formation in 1813.

Almost all English lodges, and many others throughout the world, still use a ritual derived from this one, and, perhaps without realising it, continue to pay silent testimony to Preston and to Aristotle in their work.

About the Author

George Boys-Stones was Professor of Ancient Philosophy at Durham and founding Co-Director of the Durham Centre for Ancient and Medieval Philosophy.

He has published on a wide range of topics in the field, but has a special interest in the philosophical movements of the post-Hellenistic period.

He is author of a new source book for (and introduction to) ‘Middle Platonism’. (A free download of the original Greek and Latin texts, formatted to match the published volume, is available from the CUP website for the book – look under Resources – and his Academia page.)

Prof. Boys-Stones is Managing Editor of the Ancient Philosophy journal Phronesis, General Editor for the Routledge monograph-series Issues in Ancient Philosophy, Joint Editor of the Brill series Ancient Philosophy & Religion, a member of the Advisory Board for Brill’s Ancient Philosophical Commentary on the Pauline Writings.

Recent Articles: book reviews

Book Review – The Freemasons Stopped in the Middle of the Ford

This book tries to approach Freemasonry from different sides; not so much to explain how he understands it as to encourage the reader to seek his own answers – on its methods, its organization, and its meaning. By Peter Bu

more....

Book Review - Alternative Masonic Addresses For The Craft Degrees

Do you get asked to give an address at your lodge ? Are you looking for an alternative address ? Then take a look at this collection of alternative masonic addresses for the craft degrees prepared by Lewis Masonic

more....

Book Review - A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program

Masonic Education has regrettably been reduced to teaching protocol, traditions, and catechism while ignoring the esoteric essence of the ritual. By Shaun Bradshaw (Author), Ben Wallace (Author), Flynn Ryan (Cover Art)

more....

Book Review - A Glossary Of The Craft And Holy Royal Arch Ritual Terms

This handy little book describes the origins and original meanings of the sometimes obscure words used in our ritual by Brigadier A.C.F. Jackson

more....

Book Review - Making A Daily Advancement

In this work the author brings together a whole range of Masonic facts including the origins of our customs, our rituals and our practices, by Michael Lawrence

more....

Book Review - Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar

The Templars were an unusual Order in that they lived both an active and contemplative life; making them effectively the first warrior-monks in the western world. by Stephen Dafoe

more....

Book Review - A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry

Like several of America’s founding fathers, George Washington was a Freemason. In 'A Deserving Brother', Mark Tabbert presents a complete story of Washington’s known association with Freemasonry.

more....

Book Review - Taken by Surprise

Never again will a Freemason be caught out by a last-minute request to make a response. - Taken by Surprise by Yasha Beresiner

more....

book review - Whence Come You

The message of the book is essentially one of Freemasonry being unequivocally esoteric – spiritual – and that is something that many Masons may balk at but it is a topic that needs discussing rationally.

more....

Book Review - The Other Brotherhood: When Freemasonry Crossed the English Channel

An excellent book, being perfect for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike who want to explore the origins of Freemasonry and to examine how it influenced French thought in the eighteenth century

more....

Book review - The Tracing Boards of the First Degree

The Tracing Board is a picture that encloses the quintessence of the ritual of the Degree and transmits it through symbols and images. By Enrico Marcia

more....

Book Review - Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3

Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3 - The relationship between a Fellowcraft and their Master is how the traditional wisdom of our Craft is passed on.

more....

Book Review - Freemasonry in London from 1785

This book is a well-researched study by a competent masonic scholar who has welded links from the changing scenes that arose in an era in which the most important step forward in organised Freemasonry was taken…

more....

Book Review - Meditations of a Flawed Ashlar

Many readers will probably be familiar with Bill Hosler – he is a much-respected and veteran American Freemason and a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog.

more....

Book Review - The Masonry of the «Moderns»: History and Rituality

The Masonic ritual world dates back to the 18th century, both from England and from France, which is still our most valuable reference.

more....

Book Review - Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality - Angel Millar

Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on Freemasonry, initiation, and esotericism as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books.

more....

Book Review - The Rite of Seven Degrees

This book examines the deeply esoteric eighteenth-century Rite of Seven Degrees.

more....

Book Review - The Green Book of the Elus Coens

The Green Book of the Élus Coëns is the most fascinating insight yet into the secrets and mysteries of the eighteenth century’s most esoteric of masonic societies – The Order of Knight-Mason Elect-Cohens of the Universe.

more....

Book Review - Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind

Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: A glance at Freemasonry during the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions.

more....

Book Review - The Masonic Pageant

The Masonic Pageant is published by Cornerstone Book Publishers and features a nice foreword by Chris Hodapp, 33°.

more....

Book Review - Invisibles

It is reasonable to suggest that when published, Invisibles was the most comprehensive, comparative study, to date, of the Rosicrucian mega-meme.

more....

Book Review - Mnemonic Methods

Within this book 'Mnemonic Methods by Robert Fludd', translator Paul Ferguson introduces us to the English translation of two of Fludd's short treatises on memory

more....

Book Review - English Illuminati

This book gives us a deep look into the European occult revival of the late nineteenth century and some of its key figures…

more....

Book Review - Emulation: A Ritual to Remember

How does one begin to review a masonic classic which has faithfully served generations? Perhaps starting with the title Emulation: A Ritual to Remember.

more....

Book Review - The Rosslyn Hoax

Robert Cooper asks, would you like to know the truth about Rosslyn Chapel ?

more....

Book Review - Mastering Masonic Ritual

Mastering Masonic Ritual is focused on preparing for a successful and fulfilling journey around the floor to the Chair.

more....

Book Review - Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz

A review of Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz - Collected Papers 2008-2016

more....

Book Review - Freemasonry: Material Moral and Mystical

A review of Freemasonry: Material, Moral, and Mystical by Tony Baker

more....

Book Review - Three Distinct Knocks - John Meeks

"Why don't these new guys come back?" This is the question I often hear; and it is this same question that pushed me to write this book. - John Meek

more....

Book Review - Soldier and Mason

Soldier and Mason: The Life of Charles Warren Napier-Clavering

more....

Book Review - Bohemian Masonic Glass

A completely unique narrative publication mapping the phenomenon of glass production for the needs of Masonic lodges

more....

Book Review - This Chequered Existence

Gerald Reilly reviews this new book covering the near-modern history of Freemasonry in England and Wales during the 20th-century.

more....

Book Review - The EA, FC, MM Handbooks

Essential reading for every Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason - these seminal books by J.S.M Ward are what every Mason needs!

more....

Book Review - The Freemasons who won America's War for Independence

Find out who were the Freemasons who won America's War for Independence

more....

Book Review - Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz

A book review of Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz by Cécile Révauger

more....

Book Review - Cagliostro the Unknown Master

The book review of the Cagliostro the Unknown Master, by the Editor of the book

more....

Book Review - Crime and the Craft

Crime and the Craft reveals that the Freemasons have been involved in treason, murder, conspiracy, fraud, and scandal from the time of the English Civil War to the 1980s.

more....

Book Review - Focus on Ric Berman

Focus on Ric Berman a British historian who writes about the intersection of freemasonry, politics and society.

more....

Book Review - The Temple That Never Sleeps

Freemasons and E-Masonry Toward a New Paradigm

more....

Book Review - The Secret School of Wisdom

The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati is a pioneering text

more....

Book Review - Charles Warren: Royal Engineer in the Age of Empire

Sir Charles Warren, the Police Commissioner who failed to catch 'Jack the Ripper'

more....

Book Review - Freemasonry and the Press in the Twentieth Century

During the latter part of the twentieth century, the Press and Freemasonry had a tense relationship.

more....

Book Review - Who was Hiram Abiff?

Every Freemason must have at some point asked himself the above question.

more....

The Masonic Book Club (MBC)

The new MBC will have a different business model than the old.

more....

Book Review - Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure

Lost Templar Treasure: Secret Diaries, Coded Maps, and the Knights of the Golden Circle

more....

Book Review - The Enigma of the Royal Arch

Holy Royal Arch What's it all about

more....

Book Review - The Craft

Review of the new book The Craft by John Dickie, Professor of Italian Studies at University College London

more....

Book Review - For Hills and Valleys

For Hills and Valleys, Mobile Schools and Republicanism in the Zêzere Valley By Aires Henriques

more....

33 and Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry

33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry, is perhaps the most fascinating and important documentary ever made on the on the subject matter of Freemasonry.

more....

Book Review - History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia

Book review by guest reviewer Gheorghe Bichicean on the History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia by Alexandru Rufanda

more....

Game Review - On The Square

A new board game based on The Freemasons

more....

dvd review

A MIGHTY GOOD MAN / THE TRUE STORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS (double dvd)

A drama-documentary of the life of Elias Ashmole including a reconstruction of the first personally recorded Free Masonic Initiation into a Lodge anywhere in the world.

more....

Prestonian Lecture 2020/21

This year's Prestonian Lecture - ‘A System of Morality – Aristotle and the Making of the Ritual’ - is authored, and presented by Professor G.R. Boys-Stones PAGDC.

more....