Human Flourishing: An idea whose time has come.

A Lecture / seminar series in Wellington

In this election year it’s time to think about human flourishing and what policies might improve or diminish it. St Andrew’s Trust for the Study of Religion and Society is hosting a series of lectures which started in March and saw St Andrew’s Minister Rev. Dr. Susan Jones discussing the issue through the lenses of theology and philosophy. She focussed on the ways in which in both historical and present times much of human flourishing depends on communities working together rather than ensuring flourishing by the efforts of individuals.

The series continues on Thursday 6 May at 12.30. Writer and political commentator Morgan Godfery the editor of Bridget Williams book of essays “The Interregnum (2016)” is joined by Laura O'Connell Rapira, Action Station’s Director of Campaigns and Co-Founder of RockEnrol and Christina Curley a graduate of the Lifehack Flourishing Fellowship. They will address the question ‘What needs to happen to create a flourishing NZ? The lecture will be held at St Andrews, 31 The Terrace on Thursday April 6th 12.30-2pm.

A third event on Thursday 27 April will consider the tide of xenophobia, misogyny, prejudice and callousness towards ‘the Other’. This is the politics of indecency and Winton Higgins, a secular Buddhist, academic and novelist based in Australia discusses how we can create a sea wall that will turn it back. His address “ the Politics of Decency” will be a the first outing for a lecture topic he is developing for delivery in Australia.

Finally on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May a 1 and a half day seminar will hear from speakers include Dr. Heidi Thomson, Associate Professor School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies on the importance of the humanities in education, Dr. Carwyn Jones, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law on his new book New treaty, new tradition. John Pennington from Public Engagement Projects is another speaker and others will be announced as they are confirmed. As well as presentations there will be workshops for attendees to consider flourishing through discussion and experience.

There is no charge for the lunchtime seminars although donations are welcome. Bookings are required for the May seminar and these can be made at the St Andrew’s office or using Eventbrite.

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