What is an enduring question?
At Premise, we build our learning experiences around enduring questions. These profound queries penetrate the essence of what it means to be human. Unlike questions with simple or definitive answers, enduring questions are intended to ignite thought, stimulate dialogue, and foster personal introspection. Their 'enduring' attribute lies in their timeless applicability – they universally echo across diverse cultures and eras and maintain their relevance throughout an individual and community life journey.
Enduring questions probe into the foundations of being alive in complex times. Through facilitated class discussion, we explore questions of purpose, identity, morality, and the very nature of knowledge.
At Premise, each course revolves around an enduring question and a text such as a book, film, poem or essay that is a catalyst for inquiry. We promote a culture of deep engagement with the subject matter and collective, unpretentious learning. This approach honors our commitment to the age-old tradition of shared inquiry.
A Tradition of Shared Inquiry
The principle of shared inquiry has a diverse and vibrant history, taking various forms across different cultures and time periods. It traces its roots back to the Socratic dialogues of ancient Greece, where philosophical problems were dissected through conversational examination. In the past few hundred years the tradition was practiced in the French salon movement, where individuals gathered in intimate settings to engage in intellectual conversation and the exchange of ideas.
Closer to home, the Harlem Renaissance offered a platform for artists, writers, and intellectuals to engage in dynamic discussions, sparking creativity and intellectual growth through the “Saturday Nighters”. This tradition of shared inquiry, of learning through dialogue and discussion, is at the heart of what we do at Premise.
The salon and discussion movements of the past tended to be elite, exclusive, and rarefied. Premise is different.
In a world where conversations are becoming increasingly polarized, Premise offers a different approach. We start with a question, an exploration. We seek to broaden understanding, to delve deeper into topics, and to create an environment that encourages the evolution of thought. We believe that changing one's mind is not a sign of weakness but a testament to growth.
At Premise, we hold that this rich tradition of shared inquiry and intellectual discourse should not be the domain of the elite. We all deserve a life of the mind and a barrier-free place to grapple. Instead, it should be within reach of people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or level of formal education. By fostering a safe and inclusive space for open and thoughtful dialogue, we aim to democratize the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Join us at Premise and experience a modern twist on a long history of constructivist learning. Experience the transformative power of shared inquiry.
Premise Enduring Questions
(*so far!)
How do perspectives on death shape our understanding of life? Can thinking about death lead to a good life?
How does injustice shape us?
Are we our work? What’s the value of idleness?
Is grief solely a response to death? Can it be experienced in other contexts of loss, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a dream?
Can we “live dyingly and die livingly?” Should we try?
What is the value of friendship? Why can it be so hard to make friends?
How do loneliness and isolation shape our communities and politics?1
What does it mean to feel alone?
What's so wrong with being lazy?
Where does happiness come from?
Should I stay or should I go?
What is love? How can we live a love-filled life?
Are the machines coming to get us? How does technology shape how we think about the human condition?
Are we who we've always been? How does getting older change us?
How does place shape us?
When, if ever, can violence be justified?
Can technology change what it means to be human?
How does language shape our thinking and relationships?
Who are we becoming?
What's real? How do our perceptions inform our understanding of reality?
What is the relationship between our inner lives and the spaces we inhabit?