About Us
At Premise, we believe every adult deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and belonging that comes from shared intellectual exploration.
At Premise, we explore life’s enduring questions through short, meaningful works of literature, art, and film. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, we make it easy to join thoughtful conversations and learn alongside others. Guided by expert facilitators, you’ll find yourself buoyed by the kinship and connection that comes from learning alongside people from all walks of life.
Our Courses are:
Joyful Purposeful Challenging Unpretentious
How does Premise work?
No application or grades
Designed for busy adults with varying course lengths and preparation expectations
Expert facilitators who deepen conversations and keep the group on track
Expectation of prepared participants ready for wide-ranging, focused discussions
A Modern Take on a Long Tradition
Premise is founded on a long tradition of discussion-based learning, from Socratic seminars to French salons and the Saturday Nighters groups of the Harlem Renaissance. We believe it's possible (and preferable!) to explore philosophy, literature, and history without pretension or elitism.
Connect Through Dynamic Discussions
Our culminating discussions are where ideas come alive. Share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and forge intellectual bonds with fellow curious minds. It's an intellectual space with an emotional core, where your distinct perspective adds to our collective wisdom.
About Us
At Premise Institute, we believe every adult deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and belonging that comes from shared intellectual exploration.
We invite you to participate in unpacking life's enduring questions through great literature, poetry, non-fiction, visual art, and film. Led by expert facilitators, our classes build a community of learners from all stages and walks of life, committed to better understanding themselves and buoyed by the kinship that comes from learning with others.