Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stating that quantum consciousness studies are drawing attention today, said, “The human brain has a much more complex structure than a normal computer. One gram of the brain contains more connections than all telecommunication centers in the world and operates on only 20 Watt-hours of energy.”
Tarhan noted that the program in the human brain is focused on feeling safe, stating, “When one does not feel that safety, one cannot be happy. The feeling of being safe is very important. There will be no peace in a society or country that does not provide a sense of safety. That is why the reason for high trust in societies is the existence of a fair legal system. If law and freedom coexist in a society, there will be happiness, trust, and peace.”
Tarhan pointed out that artificial intelligence is currently limited in learning emotional and social skills, adding that it does not seem possible for it to internalize human emotions and empathy with current technology.
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, answered Altaylı’s questions on the “Fatih Altaylı Teke Tek Bilim” YouTube channel.
Recognized as a center of excellence in Neuroscience…
Providing information on a question regarding Üsküdar Üniversitesi's work, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “As we leave behind our 13th year of establishment, our student count has reached around 24 thousand. This year, we graduated 8 thousand students, and we currently have approximately 3 thousand 500 international students. Our university has a thematic structure; we focus on areas such as health, engineering neuroscience, and the synthesis of behavioral sciences.”
Tarhan stated that thanks to thematic focus, studies in the field of neuroscience are attracting interest, saying, “We have been recognized as a center of excellence in Neuroscience by UNICEF. This situation attracts post-doctoral students and international students. As a university, we choose a subject and try to specialize in that area. Our area of focus is neuroscience. We combine neuroscience, neuropsychiatry, health and behavioral sciences with engineering fields.”
We are examining the genes of astronauts
“We are trying to provide the necessary funds for R&D projects with our own resources. Currently, our genetics professors are analyzing blood samples from one of the astronauts who participated in the space mission. With this project, which they received from TÜBİTAK, they are examining what changes occur in genes under low pressure and microgravity. All these studies are taking place thanks to the strong infrastructure established by our university,” said Tarhan, adding, “Are there any changes in the blood and genes of Alper Gezeravcı, who went to space and returned? What kind of changes? Our colleagues are currently working on that project.”
A holistic scientific approach that brings together religion and science…
Tarhan noted that his book "Psychology of Belief and Science" has been translated into English, and its third English edition has been published, continuing:
“Just as in Turkey, there is a global approach that ‘science and religion are opposites and cannot coexist.’ However, this should not be the case. Recent scientific developments have shown that sciences are a whole and highlighted the importance of this holistic approach. We also touched upon this topic at the international science congress we organized last year. Together with professors from Washington D.C. and Arizona, we discussed a holistic understanding of science that brings together religion and science. The ‘Post-Materialist Science Manifesto,’ published in 2014 by professors from Arizona, Columbia University, and Chicago in the USA, also supports this approach. The Manifesto emphasizes the concept of the spiritual brain and that religious sciences and natural sciences are complementary elements. We translated this manifesto into Turkish and published it on our website.”
“I argue that beliefs should also be rational”
In response to the question, “Science is based on measurability. But in contrast, God is one. There is no measurability. How is that possible?”, Tarhan explained that fuzzy logic is a method used in artificial intelligence, developed by an Azerbaijani scientist who wrote his article in 1965, stating that “instead of a definite ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as to whether an event will occur, probabilities such as intermediate degrees are used,” and continued as follows:
“There are four main paths to reaching truth: Experiment and observation (the method of positive science), reasoning, rational intuition, and rational belief. Some beliefs may not be rational, such as the example of the ‘crow temple’ I saw in Japan. As Hegel said, ‘Everything real is rational. Everything rational is real.’ Therefore, I argue that beliefs should also be rational. Now there are 4,300 religions in existence. And the answer to the question ‘What is spirituality?’ is given as follows: ‘Spirituality is the subjective feeling a person experiences while seeking a sacred value. This feeling can be scientifically measured and is universal; that is, the brain is not only an organ of thought but also an organ of belief.
There is research done on Buddhist monks. 256 electrodes are placed on their heads. They observe how their brain works when they enter meditation. A region close to the frontal lobe of the brain is examined. When they say ‘I integrated with the universe,’ all fears of the person disappear, and interestingly, drugs also stimulate the same region of the brain.”
Humans can find the creator through reasoning methods and rational belief…
Tarhan, stating that animal brains are secular and the human brain, unlike other living beings, does not have a secular structure, noted that the human brain is prone to thoughts independent of time and space and therefore seeks holiness and religion. He said that genes for seeking meaning, perceiving death, questioning the past and future, and seeking novelty exist or are predicted.
Tarhan said, “There is a search for the sacred in human nature. Just as our stomach feels the need for food, this search is also a need. The feeling of eating and drinking shows the existence of food; similarly, humans also have a desire for eternity. As people age, they want to live more, and this desire for immortality becomes evident. When you ask an elderly person about past times, they say, ‘It passed like a day.’ There is also a lot of literature on near-death experiences. This desire for eternity in humans is actually a reflection of an inner need; just as our stomach feels the need for food.”
Tarhan stated that humans have an innate fear of death, saying, “This pushes them to a quest. The first verse of the Quran, the command ‘Read,’ actually means ‘seek’; it encourages finding the truth. Humans can find the creator through reasoning methods and rational belief.”
“I believe in God scientifically”
Tarhan also recounted an anecdote, stating that when a friend asked him, “Do you believe in God?”, he replied, "I believe scientifically," and said that if there is a hypothesis, merely confirming it is not enough; falsification must also be proven. He continued, “If I claimed there was a pin in this room, it would be easy to prove. However, to prove it’s not in the room, you have to search everywhere. How can you claim that God does not exist anywhere in the universe?" My friend admitted that he could not scientifically prove this claim.”
Using the concept of fuzzy logic, Tarhan indicated that the probability of God's existence is higher than the probability of His non-existence, stating that the probability of the universe existing by chance is impossibly low.
Intelligent design courses are taught as an alternative to evolution courses
Tarhan said, “In mathematics, there are probability calculations. Probabilities beyond 10 to the power of 50 are considered zero, meaning impossible, in mathematics. According to probability calculations in mathematics; after sperm and egg combine, they continuously divide. Constant decisions are made at each division. Probability calculations have been made for DNA, telomeres, and amino acids to self-form by always making correct decisions. The probability calculations for amino acids to randomly fly in the air and come together resulted in 10 to the power of 652. However, probabilities above 10 to the power of 50 are impossible. After quantum emerged, intelligent design courses are currently being taught as an alternative to evolution courses. In design-based existence; instead of the thesis that life is a struggle, the thesis that life is harmony. Instead of natural selection, regulated selection. There is selection, but there is a controlled universe. Not uncontrolled.” In summary, we can see that evolution itself has evolved; Darwin, if he were alive today, would rewrite the theory of evolution, a view he advocates in his book Psychology of Wisdom.
Information and database form the foundation of the entire universe
Tarhan noted that, according to quantum electrodynamics, there is first information, and then a universal database, continuing as follows:
“This information and database form the foundation of the entire universe. Mathematics is at the center of these building blocks; because mathematics is the foundation of all sciences, that is why a Nobel Prize is not given for mathematics. After mathematics comes geometry, and geometry is the basis of design. Then sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology successively form the building blocks of the universe. If there are 4,300 religions, one of them must be correct. If it is to be correct, which one is most rational? The belief in monotheism is the most rational. If there is to be a god, what should God's attributes be? Only if God is all-knowing, possesses absolute knowledge, absolute will, absolute power, and absolute wisdom can this universe operate perfectly. For example, the law of entropy also states the following. Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics. When this entropy increases, there is disorder. The universe is moving away from order in a regular manner. For this, continuous external control is needed. Currently, is the universe a multiverse? Hawking says; ‘You don't believe in God. You will die. What will happen there? If there is hope, there is life.’ He says; ‘According to my mathematical mind, this vast universe, in this tiny world, a dot-like world, has so much life, so much movement, so much diversity. Such a big universe would not be empty according to my mathematical mind.’ Or there are superior civilizations using high computer technology. They will invade us just as we invaded America, he says. He has such a view.”
Quantum physics has moved from being merely a theoretical concept to a concrete reality
Tarhan stated that Newtonian physics was a system that explained the universe with rigid and definite rules, saying, “It had a clear approach of either existing or not, and this was an understanding considered absolute at the time. However, this certainty changed with Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Einstein revealed that the universe is relative and not everything is absolute. More importantly, with the proof of quantum entanglement in 2022, quantum physics has moved from being merely a theoretical concept to a concrete reality. This showed that the universe has a more complex and interconnected structure. If Spinoza had lived in this period, he might have embraced these new scientific understandings, perhaps differently from Newtonian physics.”
The brain operates on only 20 Watt-hours of energy
Tarhan stated that quantum consciousness studies are drawing attention today, explaining, “Quantum consciousness refers to the idea that the human brain operates like a quantum computer. That is, the human brain has a much more complex structure than a normal computer. One gram of the brain contains more connections than all telecommunication centers in the world and operates on only 20 Watts of energy. This shows how efficient and powerful a structure the brain possesses.”
Believing in God with fuzzy logic is to humanity's benefit…
Tarhan pointed out that studies on quantum consciousness and the functioning of the human brain reveal that our brain operates almost like a small universe, saying, “Thought can exist independently of time and space, and our brain emerges as a much larger organ beyond these thoughts. Believing in God with fuzzy logic is to humanity's benefit. Why? Because humans have a sense of mortality. Belief in God gives meaning to the effort to establish a balance between good and evil. The human fear of death and the feeling of accountability lead to a strong place for belief in God in human life. This belief contributes to a person's life being lived towards a greater purpose.”
Islam promotes compassion and peace, not violence
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that faith should promote peace and compassion, not violence, explaining that Islam during its founding period was based on peace and compassion, but over time, these principles were deviated from. He added that elements of violence from Mesopotamian culture were adapted into Islam, and with the strengthening of Arab nationalism during the Umayyad period, Islam moved away from its essence.
Tarhan said that Prophet Muhammad's compassionate and merciful attitudes, and the Quran beginning with the attributes of Rahman (Most Gracious) and Rahim (Most Merciful), show that the true face of Islam promotes compassion and peace, not violence.
If home is a safe space, healthy children grow up
Tarhan, also answering journalist Fatih Altaylı’s questions on the topic of social psychology, said, “We can say that society is a miniature family, and a family is an enlarged society. If in a family the mother supports one child and the father supports another child, which we call a vertical coalition in the family, if there is a vertical coalition, there will be no peace in that family. Because when the child comes home, they think they are not in a fair environment. If there is no justice, there is no trust. Fukuyama says, ‘societies with more freedom increase social trust.’ If there is freedom and a structured environment, there will be a just environment. When uncertainty arises, people experience anxiety about the future. Young people in society are now questioning. Families raise children by telling them to be quiet. So, what happens when a child who does not question emerges because they were raised this way? They internalize it, internalize it, and at the first opportunity after adolescence, they start to rebel. If there is no vertical coalition in the family, but a horizontal coalition where the parents have formed a coalition, act together, and make joint decisions in a family, everyone in that family feels safe. They come home with love. They leave home feeling relaxed. The home becomes like a shelter. If the home is a safe space, healthy children grow up.”
A culture of fear corrupts society at both individual and societal levels
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that Hitler made evil commonplace, and that propaganda and a culture of fear corrupt society at both individual and societal levels, eliminating freedom and making people hypocritical.
Explaining what he meant by becoming hypocritical, Tarhan said, “In becoming hypocritical, they exploit for personal gain. That is, two-faced people multiply. Types of people who say ‘yes’ to everything, speak differently at different tables, and whose hypocrisy increases emerge. They are bloodsuckers. Like cancer cells. They kill the tissue along with themselves. They kill the body. These people also get rich through bribery. A special privileged class is formed.”
If there is no justice in family and society, there is no peace
Tarhan noted that when there is no love and justice in the family, children also become hostile towards their parents, stating, “Justice is very important. If there is no justice in the family, there is no peace. If there is no justice in society, there is no peace. Suicides are increasing in Northern Europe, yes, but they still appear happy. Because there is a legal order. There is an established order. If you have the feeling that you will get your rights when you go to court, then there is justice. If these feelings do not exist, there is no justice.”
Tarhan explained that the most important thing separating a developed society from an undeveloped one is law, rights, and the legal order, and that people then feel safe, continuing:
“Where there is justice, justice is like a tent, and people feel safe under it. What happens when a person is unhappy? Their whole brain tries to defend itself. The program in the human brain is focused on feeling safe. When they do not feel that safety, a person cannot be happy. There will be no peace in a society that does not provide a sense of safety. There will be no peace in a country. That is why the reason for high trust in societies is the existence of a legal order. If there is freedom in that society, there will be happiness, trust, and peace.”
People relax if they have a mental sanctuary…
Tarhan also provided information on methods for coping with unhappiness, saying, “A mental sanctuary enables an individual to gain resilience in the face of difficulties. This concept also aligns with the idea of ‘surrendering to a higher belief’ in 3rd generation psychotherapies; individuals, in situations they cannot control, can find peace through such beliefs. If a person has a mental sanctuary, they relax. If there is a feeling of being part of a higher power or value, they feel safe and can find their way.”
Tarhan, indicating that society will improve if everyone keeps their own area clean, said, “I am not pessimistic about that. Young people are very good. Young people, Generation Z… We think young people are selfish. We think they are conformist. They appear that way, but they are very lovable. And the most beautiful characteristic of young people is their high sense of innocence. Their expectations for justice and freedom are high. Because of these expectations, young people question things. Don't be afraid of the questioning youth. Be afraid of the youth who are quiet and meek. Those who question will find the truth.”
Learn a programming language after English!
To Altaylı, who also asked Tarhan for his suggestions and advice for young people, Tarhan said, “Artificial intelligence broke the molds. In 2018 at Davos, a thesis emerged that ‘our brains can be hacked.’ And at that time, Covid had not yet started. Then artificial intelligence and the metaverse emerged. That is where global capital meets. Objections were raised that ‘digital dictatorship is emerging.’ After Covid, digital platforms were freed from a foundation. Russia and China have their own digital platforms. It would have been better for Turkey if it had trained a few thousand software developers instead of distributing tablets to the public at that time. Artificial intelligence will shape our future. Whereas before we said ‘everything is data,’ now we say ‘data is everything.’ We are in an era where Big Data is the greatest power. In such a situation, being able to use it in the best way is very important. If we, as a society, as a nation, as a state, become the subject of big data and not its object, we will be actors. If we remain its object – which, unfortunately, we are now – we will be used and continue. We will be managed. That's why we definitely tell young people, if you want to learn a second language, ‘learn a programming language after English’.”
Tarhan also stated that future professions are being discussed with artificial intelligence, saying, “There are things artificial intelligence can do. For example, they are trying to teach emotions to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence detects changes in skin temperature. It detects changes in skin resistance, that is, changes in skin heat and humidity. It detects brain waves. There is a neurobiofeedback method. It also detects with that. They teach this, but they cannot teach the subjective aspect of the feeling of love to the computer. Because it is not in a calculable domain. Teaching free will to artificial intelligence does not seem possible at the moment.”
Artificial intelligence is limited in learning emotional and social skills
Prof. Dr. Tarhan noted that children's abstract thinking skills do not develop between the ages of 0-6, during which children are more interested in concrete thoughts, and that the development of empathy and theory of mind also begins at these ages, stating, “Theory of mind allows one to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. Autistic children often struggle to develop theory of mind, which can lead to difficulties in social and emotional interactions. Similarly, it is difficult to teach artificial intelligence human-specific skills such as theory of mind and empathy. Artificial intelligence is proficient at processing data and reacting according to certain rules, but it is limited in learning emotional and social skills. Currently, artificial intelligence struggles to understand emotional states or empathy and to exhibit appropriate behavior in response.”
It is difficult for artificial intelligence to develop emotional literacy and empathy
In response to the question, “Can we call artificial intelligence autistic?”, Tarhan stated that an "autistic" analogy could be made, saying, “For artificial intelligence to develop emotional literacy and empathy is a very difficult goal with current algorithms. Even if significant progress is made in the future to enable AI to acquire such skills, for artificial intelligence to internalize human emotions and empathy still seems very difficult, at least with current technology. Furthermore, there are important points regarding personality disorders and personality traits. Computers perform cause and effect.
Learning from others' experiences…
Tarhan stated that some people learn more effectively and develop themselves by benefiting from the experiences of others, saying, “This is one of the best learning methods. However, some people constantly repeat their mistakes, and in this case, the learning process slows down. These individuals usually blame others instead of developing themselves and do not take personal responsibility. Such individuals may exhibit characteristics like a God complex or narcissistic personality disorder; that is, they want everything to be according to their will and are closed to criticism. This can lead to serious problems, especially in relationships and marriages, because the desire to control the other party and prioritize one's own interests can cause conflicts and domestic violence. When you look behind incidents of domestic violence, there are always ego wars. There are power struggles.”