Thinking of the Contact of Turkish Modernization with Philosophy Through Ziya Gökalp: Happiness of Philosophy? The Philosophy of Happiness?

The importance and value of a theoretical effort dealing with the root causes of the modernization process, which is also described as modernization or westernization, for contemporary Turkish thought must be obvious. In any case, in an effort to concentrate on the theoretical aspect of the issue, the position of philosophical thought in Turkish thought will be a matter of debate. Addressing the theme of Turkish modernization with philosophy will also contribute to a comprehensive description of Contemporary Turkish Thought and its development opportunity. Ziya Gokalp, who lived in the transition phase from the Constitutional Monarchy to the Republic, is among the rare thinkers who offer an encompassing and original perspective on Turkish thought with his interest in modern sociology and philosophy. It is seen that Gokalp, who developed a unique perspective on the field of philosophical thought in Turkish thought, designed philosophical thought as a thought activity related to culture and the ideal world of man, unlike the classical positivist attitude. It is seen that Gokalp considers philosophy as a special thought activity that emerges after material welfare, rather than designating philosophy as a special way of thinking through which prosperity and wealth are achieved. The present study discusses how Gokalp assigned a position to philosophy in Turkish modernization experience.