Premise Institute

Premise is founded on a long tradition of learning based in discussion. From Socratic seminars to French salons and, later, the Saturday Nighters groups of the Harlem Renaissance, learners have long gathered to grapple with life’s big questions by reading works that spark conversation.

We believe it is possible (and preferable!) to explore philosophy, literature, and history without pretension or elitism. We know that learning together can be both joyful and challenging.