The Apprentice and the Philosopher 7 (Book)

Apprentice and the Philosopher 7 – The Problem of Goodness is the seventh book in Özkan Öze’s Apprentice and the Philosopher series written for young readers. Published in 2023 by Uğurböceği Yayınları the work is structured as philosophical dialogues between two characters as in previous volumes. This book focuses on the concept of “goodness” and explores its various dimensions.

Subject

In the book the characters Apprentice and the Philosopher engage in discussions about the concept of “goodness.” The Apprentice questions why people should be good whether goodness is personal or universal and where evil stands in relation to goodness. The Philosopher responds with explanations grounded in historical philosophical and ethical foundations. Throughout the dialogues questions such as “What does it mean to be a good person?” “Can goodness be learned?” and “Are there limits to doing good?” are brought to the fore.

Themes

• Goodness and Morality: The moral foundations and social function of good actions are discussed.
• The Problem of Evil: The existence of evil within the context of goodness and human inclination toward evil are evaluated.
• Universal Values: How the understanding of goodness reflects from the individual to society and whether it can be independent of culture are examined.
• The Nature of Humanity: The inner constitution of human beings as entities capable of choosing between good and evil is questioned.

Style and Structure

• Dialogue-Based Narrative: The book consists of exchanges between Apprentice and the Philosopher with each chapter focusing on a specific question.
• Simple and Accessible Language: A clear yet intellectually rich language is used suitable for young readers to comprehend.
• Concise and Layered Content: Each chapter opens space for philosophical inquiry through its concise and layered presentation.

Characters

• Apprentice: A curious young character who questions everything sometimes experiencing confusion.
• The Philosopher: An experienced guiding figure who explains and encourages thought. In each chapter he provides a conceptual framework in response to Apprentice’s questions.