Sun, Dec 07
|Premise
What is goodness when no one is watching?
Peter Singer, "The Solution to World Poverty" Flannery O'Connor, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" ⏱️ Preparation: <1.5 hours
Dec 07, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST
Premise, 722 N Page St, Portland, OR (the Gotham Building)
We'll send you the reading as soon as you register.
This event is open to participants in the Premise Pods series. If you are interested in learning more about Premise pods or in taking this session at another time, drop a line to Mary @ Mary@premiseinstitute.com.
Session Description:
Peter Singer, "The Solution to World Poverty"
Singer's utilitarian manifesto demands we save drowning children and dying strangers alike, regardless of who's watching. But does his moral mathematics work in true privacy?
Flannery O'Connor, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
A drifter performs elaborate kindnesses while harboring cruel intentions, revealing how goodness becomes theater when someone—anyone—is watching.
These texts create a powerful friction: Singer's confidence in rational moral behavior meets O'Connor's devastating portrait of human self-deception. Together they ask: Is private virtue a philosophical ideal or a psychological impossibility?
An exploration of authentic morality and the performance of virtue
We live in an age of public virtue—every donation documented, every good deed posted, every moral stance proclaimed. But what happens to our ethics in true privacy? When stripped of audience, recognition, and even the possibility of discovery, what remains of our goodness?
This session investigates whether genuine morality can exist without witness, or whether the very concept of "being good" requires someone—God, society, or ourselves—to be watching. We'll examine the gap between moral performance and authentic virtue, questioning whether our ethical choices in solitude reveal our true character or whether morality is inherently social.
What should I expect at a Premise session?
What are the expectations for preparation?
At Premise, we understand that your time is valuable, so we keep preparation light—typically under 2 hours. Each session revolves around a core text, whether it’s a short story, film, or essay, providing a shared foundation for meaningful conversation. This approach ensures everyone is ready to dive into thoughtful dialogue, creating a richer and more engaging experience. Your preparation means we all have a common starting point for exploring big ideas together.
Do I need to have previous experience with the text or question?
No, not at all! At Premise, we value both beginner eyes and deep experience—each brings something unique to the conversation. Whether you’ve been in many intellectual discussions or this is your first, our sessions are designed to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. You don’t need to be an expert; our structure and guidelines help ensure that both the novice and the seasoned thinker feel welcome and supported. Premise is for anyone curious about life’s big questions.
What is a Premise session like?
A Premise session is a thoughtfully crafted, expertly facilitated conversation using the Premise discussion model. Together, we explore life’s enduring questions through short works of literature, film, or art. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, you’ll join a vibrant, meaningful discussion where the following values are embraced:
Active Participation: Everyone comes prepared to engage thoughtfully.
Listening & Reflection: We prioritize listening and reflection over debate.
Shared Inquiry: Our conversations are driven by curiosity and mutual exploration.
Premise creates a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced thinkers, ensuring every voice is heard in a dialogue that inspires deep learning and connection. Learn more about the participant experience.
Wait! These enduring questions are a bit weighty. Will this actually be enjoyable?
Absolutely! While we tackle life’s big questions, the atmosphere is engaging and enjoyable. At Premise, we believe learning should be joyful, not intimidating. Our expert facilitators guide the conversation in a way that makes deep topics approachable, encouraging curiosity and connection rather than pressure or competition. You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the experience—plus, it’s fun to dive into meaningful discussions with fellow curious minds!
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?
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