Revolt, Morality and Society in Nurettin Topcu

Nurettin Topçu, while being one of the most important philosophers of Turkish thought, can also be described as an ideal teacher and moralist. It is known that he developed a philosophical style, particularly influenced by the Philosophy of Action, and attempted to ground and idealize this style, especially in the field of ethics. Topçu outlines the general conception of this morality, which he describes as the “ Ethics of Revolt,” stating that it should begin with the individual, then extend to the family, society, and finally to the Creator, whom he refers to as the Absolute Being . According to him, the ethics of revolt is not an anarchist act against order or the system, as its name suggests, but rather a sensible action that humanity must undertake to escape its gloomy situation. The primary target of this action is humanity itself. Topçu argues that an ideal society cannot be formed without an ideal human being morally. According to him, an ideal, orderly, and harmonious society is one that must exist within the ethics of revolt. In this study, we will attempt to highlight the importance of the ethics of revolt for society.

Highlights

• To revisit Nurettin Topçu's ideas in the History of Turkish Thought.
• To clarify the concept of rebellion.
• To highlight the relationship between the concept of movement and morality.
• To reveal some of the philosophical views that Nurettin Topçu criticized.
• To emphasize the importance of the relationship between rebellion and society.