Happiness? Politics, Promises, and Practices

An open office hour invites guests to learn about Collegium fellows’ research in the humanities and social sciences. Afterwards, a roundtable discussion addresses the question of happiness. What does it mean to live in the ‘happiest nation’? What does it have to do with how people feel? The theme is further pursued through a musical performance Camino Dreaming: Songs from the Way.

Programme: 

17.15–18.15: Open offices at the Collegium!

Walk through the corridors of the Collegium and get to know our fellows and their projects. 

18.30–19.30: Roundtable discussion: Happiness? Politics, Promises, and Practices 

Collegium Fellows Acer Chang, Amanda Lagerkvist, Olesya Khanina, Satu Venäläinen, and Rob Boddice explore the conceptual and practical complexities of happiness, drawing on diverse perspectives in the humanities, social sciences, and neuroscience.

19.45–20.45: Camino Dreaming: Songs from the Way

Singer-songwriter and cultural anthropologist Kristina Jacobsen (Core Fellow) shares songs inspired by mindful walking and ethnographic fieldwork along Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Joined by Emma Polyakov (Core Fellow) on the fiddle. An interactive discussion moderated by Amanda Lagerkvist will follow the performance.

The organizer: Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies

The capacity of the venue is 60 people. The venue is not accessible. Wheelchair access is available with an elevator via the inner yard at Fabianinkatu 24. If you need assistance finding your way, please call the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS) Service Coordinator at +358 294 122 149 upon arrival.