Philosophy and Sociology Writings

“Today, the most interesting examples of the intellectuals taking an active role in social life are seen in underdeveloped societies. It is not without reason that the reactionary authorities of these countries are trying to prevent the intellectuals from reading the books of authors such as Dostoyevsky, who have nothing to do with communism and even sometimes show disagreements or contradictions with it, through their police officers who are so ignorant that they call the 'Brothers Karamazov' the 'Brothers Jars' and think that Larousse is Russia. .

Two important events are constantly developing in these societies. On the one hand, modern educational institutions are proliferating. In these, young generations coming from the popular classes, in larger numbers and to an extent that exceeds the children of the old superior classes, are introduced to modern sciences, modern thought and literature. On the other hand, literacy is still very limited and literacy has not spread to large masses of people. Especially in peasant societies, education and training are very unequally distributed. "Efforts to spread education to the peasantry, as seen in the example of our Village Institutes, are prevented by conservative forces."

“If the rulers of these societies gave up on raising intellectuals, their actions could be considered consistent. But they cannot do this; Inevitably, they raise the intellectuals whom they will put under surveillance by the police. "They cannot prevent the educational institutions that will train the soldiers, civil servants, teachers, industrial managers and qualified workers they need for the state administration, from adopting a mindset contrary to traditions."

Niyazi Berkes' Philosophy and Sociology Writings, which consist of articles and papers published in various journals and presented at meetings; It covers a wide range of areas, from ancient Greek thought to the modernization of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, from personal memories to sociological movements in Russia and the USA. Berkes's on-point observations promise an enjoyable read that will not only help understand the period under study but also shed light on the present day.

(From the Promotional Bulletin)

Dough Type: 2nd Dough

Number of Pages: 464

Size: 13.5x21

First Print Year: 2017

Number of Printings: 1st Edition

Media Type: Paperback