Organized in collaboration with Istanbul University, Istanbul Medeniyet University, the Logic Research Association, and Pamukkale University, the symposium began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem.

 

The first opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Sarı, Head of the Department of History of Philosophy at PAU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

 

Prof. Dr. Sarı: “Today, we begin an event where we bring together the universal language of logic to challenge the boundaries of thought.”

“I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the realization of this meaningful event, especially our Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, the Rector of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Prof. Dr. Turan Kaçar, and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Yasemin Beyazıt. Today, we are beginning an event where we once again bring together the universal language of logic to challenge the boundaries of thought. I am confident that our sessions, which will cover topics ranging from the ways logic sheds light on contemporary issues to artificial intelligence and societal decision-making processes, will provide an inter-mind perspective, open new horizons, and inspire us all. In conclusion, I wish the symposium a productive outcome and extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you.”

 

Dean Beyazıt: “The symposium will significantly contribute to both the academic culture and intellectual heritage of philosophy and logic.”

Prof. Dr. Yasemin Beyazıt, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasized: “Universities are the heart of societies. They are the primary units shaping the future of communities, producing knowledge, transmitting it to new generations, identifying societal problems, seeking solutions, enriching culture and thought, enabling the expression and debate of diverse ideas, cultures, and values, and fostering critical perspectives. In an era flooded with information where truth and illusion are intertwined, logic is not only a theoretical discipline but also an intellectual responsibility. Knowing is valuable; yet, the true value lies in understanding how to access knowledge, how knowledge is produced, and how to distinguish truth from falsehood—and to train minds capable of initiative. Logic, as the discipline of thought, stands at the center of this distinction, serving humanity. I believe this symposium will make valuable contributions to scientific and academic fields. The presentations and discussions here will enrich the academic culture and intellectual memory of philosophy and logic. I hope this symposium becomes a gathering that broadens our horizons, sparks new questions, and revalues the act of thinking. I sincerely thank all participants and wish an inspiring and productive symposium.”

 

Prof. Dr. Mahbube Nazlı İnönü, President of the Logic Research Association, noted: “Our goal is to develop logic studies in Turkey and expand them to wider audiences. The Logic Research Association is a newly established organization, mainly founded by members of the Logic Department of Istanbul University’s Philosophy Faculty. Our first event, the ‘International Charles Sanders Peirce Congress: Peirce in Istanbul,’ was held on October 23–24 at Istanbul University. Today’s symposium is our second event. I thank Pamukkale University and all faculty and students who contributed to organizing this symposium and wish it success.”

 

Rector Güngör: “Logic is the pursuit of truth; logic is tracing meaning.”

PAU Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör added: “When I learned about this symposium, I was very excited. Logic has long been known as the scale of the mind, the compass of thought, and the firmest support of reasoning in humanity’s pursuit of truth. It is the most powerful method for understanding existence, organizing knowledge, and reaching truth. As Aristotle stated, ‘The one who best uses reason is closest to truth,’ highlighting the virtue of thought; Ibn Sina said, ‘Reason is given to man to reach truth,’ showing the ultimate aim of science; Farabi defined logic as a tool that protects the mind from all errors. Cicero emphasized, ‘Without right thinking, no virtue is established.’ Modern science continues this line of thought. Across all eras, logic has been the foundation of free will, sound judgment, and solid decisions. In today’s information age, the speed, superficiality, and unverified circulation of information hinder deep thinking. Logic education serves as the main shield against misleading information, manipulation, and mental confusion. As the descendants of a civilization that exemplifies combining reason with wisdom, logic with insight, and knowledge with justice, our aim is to educate youth who do not just transmit knowledge but analyze, question, think consistently, and seek truth. This symposium will provide both an academic platform and a space for intellectual maturation. I thank all who contributed to this event and wish it to benefit our country, university, scientific community, and youth.”

 

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with Prof. Dr. İhsan Fazlıoğlu from Istanbul Medeniyet University presenting “Logic and Mathematics: Mixed Sciences in Terms of Subject, Predicate, and Proof.”

 

At the end of the presentation, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör presented a certificate of appreciation and a plaque to Prof. Dr. İhsan Fazlıoğlu. Rector Güngör also presented certificates and plaques to Prof. Dr. Mahbube Nazlı İnönü and Prof. Dr. Bülent Özkan, Vice President of the Logic Research Association, in recognition of their contributions to the organization of the symposium.

 

The two-day symposium program and detailed information can be accessed at https://sempozyum.mantik.tr/ and https://www.pau.edu.tr/itbf/pl/etkinlikTakvimi/i-ulusal-mantik-sempozyumu