The five-week course—PHIL215/315 Happiness and Wellbeing—which runs from 18 November to 20 December, will examine ancient theories of happiness, as well as contemporary debate on the issue. Students will also be asked to consider how to use the various theories to lead their own lives.
“Although there’s an element of popular psychology and self-help in the course, philosophy is the focus,” says Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Dan Weijers, who is coordinating and teaching the course.
“Students will conduct thought experiments and we will consider what makes life go well for an individual and how to behave in order to achieve that. I don’t think there is a more important question in life.”
Since the study of philosophy was once considered as a path to happiness, Dr Weijers plans to measure his students’ happiness at the beginning and end of the course.
“While students will enjoy the class, I don’t expect them to be happier at the end of it… but I guess we’ll see!” he says.