Psychology, written by Nurettin Topçu, is an introductory work that deals with human behavior, mental processes, and personality structure at a basic level. The book, published by Dergâh Publications, has also been considered as a textbook prepared by Topçu for high school and university level students.
The Subject of the Book
The work was written to explain the basic concepts of psychology, understand human behavior, and systematically introduce mental mechanisms. The book provides systematic information under headings such as the definition of psychology, its fields, history, sense organs, mind structure, attention, memory, imagination, learning, character, and will.
Content of the Book
- Definition and Methods of Psychology: The book defines psychology as a branch of science that examines the human soul. Basic scientific approaches such as observation, experiment, comparison, and autobiographical methods are explained.
- Mental Processes: Mental functions such as perception, attention, memory, thought, and imagination are discussed under separate headings. In these sections, concepts are defined, explained with examples, and a conceptual framework is provided.
- Emotions and Will: Psychodynamic aspects such as excitement, emotions, and willpower are analyzed. Human decision-making processes and the moral foundations of behavior are explained.
- Personality and Character: Topics such as character structure, individual differences, and personality development are discussed in simple language. The book states that an individual's behaviors are shaped by both hereditary and environmental factors.
The Book's Style
The work has an instructive and descriptive narrative. The book, where technical terms are explained in simple language, avoids conceptual confusion. An education-oriented language has been adopted.
Author's Approach
Nurettin Topçu addresses psychology as a discipline also related to the moral structure of human beings. In the book, while modern psychology approaches are included, explanations are presented by preserving the spiritual integrity of humans.
