The Meaning and Meaninglessness of Life Discussed

The Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar University, organized an event titled “Philosophical Inquiry”.  In the event, which P4C Specialist Funda Yıldız Çağlar attended as a speaker, the fundamental issues of existential philosophy were discussed with the active contributions of the participants.  In addition, fundamental concepts such as the meaning of life, freedom, responsibility, and death were discussed in a multifaceted manner.

The event, moderated by Res. Asst. Dr. Merve Arlı Özekes, was held in the Socrates Hall of the South Campus and was attended by faculty academics and students.

The Meaning and Meaninglessness of Life Discussed

At the event, which addressed the issue of the meaning and meaninglessness of life through the statement, “There is only one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide,” found in Albert Camus' work, The Myth of Sisyphus, the existentialist approach regarding humanity's position in the face of life, freedom, and the responsibilities that come with this freedom was evaluated.

Çağlar emphasized that human existence should be approached not only from theoretical but also from ethical and practical dimensions.

Mythological Narratives Evaluated Philosophically

The relationship between mythological narratives and philosophical inquiries was also brought up at the event. Specifically, human curiosity, the concept of hope, and the tendency to transgress boundaries were discussed through the narrative of “Pandora's Box”.

Çağlar also stated that such narratives are not merely cultural symbols but also harbor deep philosophical questions about human nature.

The Phenomenon of Death and the Search for Meaning Discussed

Çağlar, also speaking about the impact of the phenomenon of death on how humans make sense of life, addressed the inevitability of death from different perspectives, and also discussed how this reality shapes humanity's search for meaning. 

The interplay of the concepts of hope and despair with individual experiences and their central role in existential inquiries were also among the topics discussed.

A Polyphonic and Interactive Thinking Environment

Based on the participants' views, mutual evaluations were made on existential contradictions and ways of coping with them. The interactive nature of the event provided a polyphonic platform for thought and discussion, rather than a one-sided narration.

In this respect, the event revealed that philosophy is not just a theoretical transfer of knowledge, but a dynamic process that allows individuals to question their own existence.

The event concluded after discussions shaped by the contributions of the participants.