These units will be led by Prof. Craig Hassed and Dr Richard Chambers and will have input from many of Australia's and the world's leaders in philosophy, mindfulness, contemplative neuroscience and human flourishing.
ATS2267 / ATS3327 – True happiness: The art, practice and science of human flourishing
- Delivered on-campus
- 6 credit points
- Offered in Semester 1 and Semester 2 2025
This course will be led by Prof. Craig Hassed and Dr Richard Chambers and will have input from many of Australia's and the world's leaders in mindfulness, neuroscience and human flourishing.
The modern, fast-paced, technologically advanced and increasingly secular world comes with many exciting opportunities but also many challenges including distraction, stress, poor mental health, social isolation, addiction, conflict and a lack of meaning in life. These challenges can leave us less fulfilled, with reduced wellbeing and quality of life, and at a greater risk of mental health problems.
In parallel with these challenges has been a widespread rediscovery of insights drawn from ancient wisdom traditions and the various contemplative practices embedded within them. Presented in a secular, evidence based way, these practices are increasingly being adapted to meet the challenges faced by the modern world, and to foster individual and collective flourishing. Our formative years tend to give rise to many large and important questions along with a desire for self-inquiry, self-knowledge and fulfilment. A supportive environment, input from wisdom traditions and the modern science and application of contemplative practices can help to facilitate a deeper exploration of these questions.
To help facilitate this inquiry, this unit will take a deep learning approach that is not merely theoretical but is deeply experiential, reflective and personally transformative. This on-campus elective unit will explore the science and practice of contemplative practices and how they can contribute to authentic and sustainable happiness and human flourishing even in the face of adversity.
