In this, the last Lunchtime Learning Session for 2023, one of positive psychology’s second and third wave pioneers, Dr Tim Lomas, will discuss the next frontier in wellbeing sciences, engaging with the possibility of non-human forms of wellbeing. Based on Tim’s paper, he will be discussing the primary candidates for what these forms may be, which vary in the extent to which they challenge standard conceptions of life, including organic life forms on earth, matter, AI, and extra-terrestrial life touching on what makes this topic so complex and fascinating, what exactly constitutes life or conscious experience is not self-evident.
Please join us for a mind-expanding session with the always entertaining and engaging Dr Tim Lomas. After the presentation, Tim will be available for a Q&A.
For more on Tim’s abundant contribution to positive psychology and the broader wellbeing sciences, check out his comprehensive ResearchGate profile, which links to many of his publications.
Cost
The event is free for NZAPP members and a limited number of guest tickets are available for $25.
Not already a member? The Association membership is $80 per annum (waged) and $40 (student). To join, click here and take advantage of our free to members annual calendar of events (eight per year).
Speaker details: Dr Tim Lomas
Tim Lomas is a Psychology Research Scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and part of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. Tim’s main research focus is exploring cross-cultural perspectives on wellbeing, especially concepts and practices deemed ‘non-Western.’ Current projects include: assisting with the Global Flourishing Study, a longitudinal study of 240,000 people in 22 countries; helping lead the Global Wellbeing Initiative, a collaboration with Gallup to develop and analyse new items for their World Poll that reflect non-Western views of wellbeing; creating a lexicography and conceptual map of ‘untranslatable’ words relating to wellbeing; and a project funded by the Templeton Foundation to look into Muslim perspectives on wellbeing.
Tim completed his PhD at the University of Westminster in 2012, where his thesis focused on the impact of meditation on men's mental health (combining cognitive neuroscience, narrative, and ethnographic analysis). From 2013 to 2020 Tim was a lecturer in positive psychology at the University of East London.
Since 2013, Tim has published over 80 papers and 11 books relating to wellbeing, involving topics/approaches including linguistics, semiotics, art, emotional dialectics, balance/harmony, systems theory, social theory, politics, gender, and Buddhism. His latest book, entitled Happiness, will be published in 2023 by MIT Press as part of their Essential Knowledge series.
