What we’re about
Welcome to Premise: Big Questions, Real Conversation
Premise is a space for thoughtful people who crave more than small talk. Each session starts with a big, timeless question—like What is freedom?, Are we our work?, or How much is enough?—and pairs it with a short piece of art, literature, or film. We use those works to spark meaningful conversations.
Who Should Join:
Premise is for curious adults of all ages who value depth over debate, and connection over consensus. You don’t need a philosophy degree—just a willingness to read or watch something short ahead of time and come ready to think and talk with others in the community.
What to Expect:
Each session is structured and deeply engaging. You'll receive a short prep email (usually 1–1.5 hours of reading or viewing and we provided the text), then meet in person for a guided conversation. There’s no lecturing, just a guided dialogue designed to help you listen, reflect, and connect. Expect surprising insights, genuine connection, and the kind of conversation that lingers long after it ends.
Premise events are currently held in 8 cities across the US, with more to come in 2025!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- {ONLINE} Is Thinking All It's Cracked Up To Be? (Notes from Underground)Link visible for attendees
Learn more about Premise. 🟡 Space is limited.
Please register directly with Premise here: https://www.premiseinstitute.com/event-details/is-thinking-all-its-cracked-up-to-be-1
It helps us keep things organized—participants join from multiple places!
👉 Use the code "Spokanemeetup" if you are unable to pay, the session will be no cost. All registration fees go directly to expanding Premise to communities nationwide.
Texts:
- Notes from Underground- Short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky
We will email you the reading after sign up.
⏱️ Preparation: Approx. 3 hours (*this reading is slightly longer than most Premise session but well worth the time!)Session Description:
We consider how excessive self-consciousness can become both a form of insight and a trap.###### "Notes from Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky's underground man is a character tormented by his own hyper-consciousness, unable to act spontaneously because he analyzes every thought and motive. His endless self-reflection leads to paralysis, spite, and isolation rather than wisdom or peace. The story explores how intellectual sophistication can become a prison that separates us from natural human connection and authentic action.
The underground man embodies the dark side of excessive thinking and self-awareness. Dostoevsky asks: Can consciousness become a curse rather than a gift? What happens when self-analysis replaces genuine engagement with life and other people?
