“A Guide to Understanding Charles Taylor” from the pen of Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir is on the shelves…

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir’s latest book, “A Guide to Understanding Charles Taylor,” from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy at Üsküdar University, has taken its place on the shelves. In the book, Özdemir addressed topics such as secularism, identity, and cultural pluralism, focusing on the deep insights of Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor. 

The work penned by Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, a faculty member at Üsküdar University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy, was published by Birinci Kitap and met with readers.

The understanding of secularism is being re-evaluated…

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özdemir, Turkey’s first certified philosophy consultant, states that “A Guide to Understanding Charles Taylor” is an important work that enables a reconsideration of the understanding of secularism. 

Secularism, identity and cultural pluralism topics are being revisited

“A Guide to Understanding Charles Taylor” offers an in-depth analysis of secularism, identity, and cultural pluralism. The book re-evaluates the concept of secularism through Taylor’s ideas. It includes significant articles on this subject and translations of texts written with the philosopher.

Illuminating errors and contradictions…

The book also discusses how Taylor’s Canadian experience can contribute to the secular structure of the Republic of Turkey in its 101st year. Charles Taylor’s views on secularism are illuminating regarding the errors and contradictions frequently made by Turkish intellectuals.

From the back cover of the book:

Many people develop deeper philosophical and spiritual insights as they age. This can involve grappling with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, existence, and moral values, contributing to a deeper understanding of one’s place in the world.

Wisdom includes the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from life’s setbacks. Older individuals often possess a wealth of resilience acquired from past experiences. However, let’s admit that wisdom is not merely a result of aging.

It is important to acknowledge that wisdom develops through conscious reflection, openness to learning, and the ability to grow by leveraging one’s experiences. While old age provides the canvas of experience and time on which wisdom can be painted, ultimately, it is the individual’s commitment to life and learning that fills this canvas.

Let’s examine what our 101-year-old Republic has taught/failed to teach us about wisdom and coexistence, in light of the views of Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, considered one of the most important living philosophers of our time, who has dedicated his life to topics such as identity, secularism, multiculturalism, and coexistence.

To buy the book