Positive psychology and the purposes of schooling: A qualitative exploration of the role of positive education in nurturing eudaimonic conceptions of prosperity and success

Abstract

Positive education emerged from positive psychology and its aims include expanding the metrics in education to encompass flourishing: defined for this thesis as the achievement of Aristotelian eudaimonic happiness. This goal aligns with educational philosophies that espouse education for happiness, citizenship and collective wellbeing. However, the philosophical foundations of positive education may diverge, in part, from the ideas of normative ethicists like Aristotle, and its aims may be impeded by societal beliefs about the purpose of education as well as narrow definitions of success, goodness and prosperity. In this thesis qualitative methods are used to explore these concepts through t..