Adult Education in the Shadows: A Phenomenological Study of Freemasonry

Location

1047

Format Type

Event

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

January 2019

End Date

January 2019

Abstract

The Society of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (Freemasons) is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world. To become a member of this fraternity, individuals must learn, by rote, certain esoteric lessons. These lessons are then presented back to a lodge of Freemasons to determine proficiency in the work and eligibility for advancement. This process takes a significant amount of time and effort for both teachers and learners. This phenomenological research indicates that men are willing to engage in this time consuming effort because it creates a connection to the existential Other. This Other can also be understood within the context of Alfred Schutz's social phenomenology and division of the Lifeworld.

Keywords

Freemasonry, adult learning, existential phenomenology, social phenomenology

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Adult Education in the Shadows: A Phenomenological Study of Freemasonry

1047

The Society of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (Freemasons) is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world. To become a member of this fraternity, individuals must learn, by rote, certain esoteric lessons. These lessons are then presented back to a lodge of Freemasons to determine proficiency in the work and eligibility for advancement. This process takes a significant amount of time and effort for both teachers and learners. This phenomenological research indicates that men are willing to engage in this time consuming effort because it creates a connection to the existential Other. This Other can also be understood within the context of Alfred Schutz's social phenomenology and division of the Lifeworld.