The science of wisdom: "Positive Psychology"

Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that we now need to step from normal psychology to wisdom psychology, saying, "Positive psychology means 'the science of wisdom' and aims to teach people wisdom."

Prof. Dr. Tarhan, who was a guest at the online event organized by the Kahramanmaraş Provincial Mufti's Office and moderated by Psychological Counselor Seyyid Şişman, made evaluations under the title of "Positive Psychology".

"Positive psychology is not Pollyannaism"

Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stating that positive psychology emerged due to people's despair and unhappiness, expressed that positive psychology is not an empty optimism; "When positive psychology is mentioned, Pollyannaism is understood, whereas there is no connection at all. Positive psychology emerged due to the increase in psychological problems despite the increase in economic welfare. Positive psychology is defined as 'well-being,' a concept expressed by the word 'afiyet' in our culture. As a result of my research on positive psychology, I saw that the Western world systematized Eastern wisdom and Anatolian sagacity and presented it as a branch of science. I saw that they used Mevlana as a source but did not give reference. Our failure to explain Mevlana and Yunus is our fault. Upon this, we released my book 'Positive Psychology' in a short period. This book completely teaches how to manage emotions. In Islamic literature, its name is 'nefis terbiyesi' (self-discipline/purification of the soul). Positive psychology works to prevent people from getting sick. People need not only 'disease health' but also 'health health'."

"Positive psychology is the science of wisdom"

Tarhan, stating that positive psychology teaches wisdom, continued:

"With positive psychology, we remembered the human values we had abandoned. Positive psychology means 'the science of wisdom' and aims to teach people wisdom. We now need to step from normal psychology to wisdom psychology. If we do this, future generations will also be saved. The COVID-19 Pandemic exacerbated the crisis in the world. Due to increasing suicide cases, countries are establishing Ministries of Loneliness. Unfortunately, science is the cause of this. The meaning and reason of existence have been damaged a little more with each passing period. Humanity is currently living in the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure, summarizes the situation the West is in."

"Classical psychology is focused on changing the other side"

Tarhan, also touching upon the differences between classical psychology and positive psychology, said; "The doctrine of classical psychology was focused on changing others. According to positive psychology, the first step is self-awareness and knowing oneself. That is, first you need to improve yourself, not the other person. The second step is 'self-management'. Someone who cannot manage themselves cannot manage a family or a classroom. This is called 'psychological alignment'. When a person enters a social environment, they will learn to take the most appropriate position. The third step is 'social consciousness', that is, knowing society. Being able to empathize is known as altruism in our society. The fourth step is 'relationship management'. If violence training is based on positive psychology, violence will decrease."

"Positive psychology is the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in this era"

Tarhan, stating that the moral degenerations experienced in the West are still seen as breakdowns in our society; "We must provide positive psychology education to our youth so that these breakdowns do not turn into degeneration. Positive psychology provides training on looking at people's behaviors positively. Mevlana also says, 'He who sees beauty thinks beautifully; he who thinks beautifully enjoys his life.' Positive psychology teaches us to see life beautifully. Prophet Muhammad taught his companions a positive perspective. Positive psychology is the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in this era. We need to show people the beautiful face of Islam. We can prevent the formation of Islamophobia in this way. Prophet Muhammad spent most of his time not fighting, but striving to conquer hearts," he said.