Academicians from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences met with students at Burak Bora Anatolian High School in a talk titled “What Do Science and Philosophy Say About Happiness?”. During the event, the concept of happiness was discussed from psychological and philosophical perspectives. The academicians evaluated the neurobiological, psychological, and philosophical foundations of happiness, offering a comprehensive view on individual inner satisfaction, level of awareness, and meaning of life. In the talk, with active student participation, happiness was discussed multi-dimensionally at the common intersection of science and philosophy.
Assistant Professor Dr. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Deputy Dean of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Dr. Tayfun Doğan, faculty member of the Psychology Department; and Assistant Professor Dr. Baver Demircan from the Philosophy Department attended the seminar held at Burak Bora Anatolian High School.
The seminar, held with the participation of 9th and 10th-grade students, was met with great interest
Assistant Professor Dr. Zeynep Gümüş Demir: “Happiness should be seen as a sustainable life practice”
Within the scope of the seminar, Assistant Professor Dr. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, discussed the neurobiological foundations of happiness and explored the meaning of the pursuit of happiness within the rapidly changing dynamics of the modern era. Demir stated: “Happiness is not merely an emotional state but a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interaction of genetic, biological, psychological, and social components. Chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins in the brain, and regions such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, play significant roles in the experience of happiness. Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can enhance well-being through practices like meditation, exercise, and positive thinking. True happiness is not a constant positive mood but the ability to balance different areas of life. Therefore, happiness should not be seen as a goal, but as a learnable and sustainable life practice.”
Professor Dr. Tayfun Doğan: “Happiness is like a climate”
Professor Dr. Tayfun Doğan, faculty member of the Psychology Department of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, in his speech, touched upon the psychological sources of happiness and emphasized the role of individual self-awareness in life satisfaction. Doğan stated: “Happiness is defined as inner harmony and gratitude where an individual is at peace with themselves, with others, and with the world. In this sense, it differs from the state of pleasure and enjoyment. Pleasure is also part of happiness, but we cannot say pleasure equals happiness. We can compare pleasure more to weather, which changes during the day. However, happiness is more comprehensive and lasting, and it is like a climate. So, we can describe happiness as a state of character. Happiness is valuable and, like all valuable things, requires effort and endeavor. Happiness has many advantages. Primarily, happiness is expressed as the highest form of health. Being happy means being healthy. Research shows that happy people live longer, have stronger immune systems, and are more energetic. Furthermore, happy people are more productive, creative, and efficient. In the context of relationships, happy people are more preferred, have a higher perception of social support, and experience a higher level of satisfaction from their marriages. Happy people are also valuable from a societal perspective. Just as we need honest, hardworking, fair, and disciplined people in society, we also need happy people. Because happy people are more helpful and compassionate.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Baver Demircan discussed happiness from a philosophical perspective
Assistant Professor Dr. Baver Demircan from the Philosophy Department began his speech by explaining the possible meanings of Socrates’ saying, ‘An unexamined life is not worth living.’ Referring to this statement, he emphasized that for individuals drifting in the ordinariness and monotony of daily life, the way out lies in questioning themselves, the conditions they live in, their lives, and their actions as a whole.
He stated that happiness is a topic studied and debated in philosophy, specifically in ethics, a sub-discipline of philosophy, and noted that Ancient Greek philosophers, in particular, found the purpose of life in happiness. He explained that the term translated as happiness is eudaimonia, and within the framework of Aristotle’s ethical understanding, this term signifies being well in an activity that is chosen for its own sake and extends throughout life. At the end of his speech, he also stated, with reference to Heidegger, that our awareness of being-towards-death opens up an opportunity for us to be ourselves, to define ourselves, and to embrace our possibilities.
The event proceeded interactively with the active participation of the students.
Participants had the opportunity to question the concept of happiness at the common intersection of science and philosophy through the questions they posed to the academicians.
