Judgement and Flourishing | Seminar

Judgement and Flourishing is a reflective, evidence-informed seminar designed to support university students in developing the VIA character strength of judgement (also referred to as open-mindedness or critical thinking) within academic and personal contexts. Judgement is framed as the capacity to examine ideas, information, and experiences carefully and fairly before forming conclusions or taking action, including the willingness to question assumptions, weigh evidence, consider alternative perspectives, and revise one’s views when new information emerges. Through guided reflection, multiple-choice learning checks, applied examples, discussion, and structured practice, participants explore the role of judgement in sound decision-making, academic integrity, intellectual humility, and responsible action. The seminar emphasises balanced use of judgement by distinguishing between underuse, optimal use, and overuse, highlighting how impulsivity, overthinking, or excessive criticism can each undermine flourishing. Integrative components such as practical applications, daily routines, and a WOOP (Wish–Outcome–Obstacle–Plan) framework support the translation of thoughtful judgement into everyday academic and life decisions. This seminar forms part of a broader character strengths-based approach to flourishing in higher education and is suitable for student development, wellbeing, and co-curricular learning programmes. Learning Outcomes By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: Define the VIA character strength of judgement, including its role in examining ideas carefully, weighing evidence, and remaining open to revising conclusions. Explain the benefits of judgement for critical thinking, sound decision-making, academic integrity, and personal responsibility within a university context. Differentiate between underuse, optimal use, and overuse of judgement, recognising how impulsivity, indecision, or excessive criticism can hinder flourishing. Reflect on their own patterns of judgement, particularly in academic decision-making, relationships, and leadership situations. Apply judgement intentionally by evaluating sources critically, questioning assumptions, and considering multiple perspectives in coursework and discussions. Demonstrate balanced judgement, integrating careful reasoning with openness, flexibility, and responsiveness to new information. Integrate judgement into daily academic practice, using reflection and structured routines to strengthen thoughtful decision-making. Develop a personalised judgement action plan using the WOOP framework to support responsible, values-aligned choices in academic and personal life.