The relationship between ethics and politics in Kınalızade Ali Çelebi

This thesis examines the essential and organic relationship between ethics (ahlâk) and politics (siyaset) as presented in Kınalızâde Ali Çelebi's work, Ahlâk-ı Alâî. The primary objective of the study is to reveal how Kınalızâde synthesized elements inherited from both ancient Greek philosophy (Plato, Aristotle) and Islamic moral philosophy (Ibn Miskawayh, Tûsî, Devvânî), and to highlight his original contributions to Ottoman political thought. The method employed is comparative content analysis, comparing the concepts within Ahlâk-ı Alâî, the main material of the thesis, with the works of his predecessors. Main Findings: The Core of Ethics: Kınalızâde grounds his ethics in balancing the three faculties of the soul (rational/intellectual, spirited/irascible, appetitive/sensual) through the Mean (I'tidal). Justice (Adalet) is the supreme virtue, formed by the union of the other three cardinal virtues (wisdom, courage, temperance), ensuring the soul's integrity. The Precondition for Politics: Man is by nature a social being (medeniyyun bi'ttab'). Therefore, politics is a necessary means for the individual to achieve perfection and ultimate happiness (saadet). The Foundation of Governance: Justice and affection are essential for establishing social order and peace. Affection (Sevgi/Muhabbet) is considered superior to justice, as it eliminates duality and fosters unity. The Ruler Model: The just ruler is the second law (Nâmûs-u Sani), obligated to comply with the Rabbanî Sharī'ah (Nâmûs-u Evvel). Kınalızâde links the ruler's competence not merely to intellect but to moral meritocracy, justice, and high aspiration; the ruler's ethical stance directly influences the morality of the populace. Conclusion: In conclusion, by defining ethics as the inner spirit of politics, Kınalızâde established a universal ethical-political model, articulated in his work written in Turkish, asserting that politics without ethics is impossible, thereby leaving a lasting impact on Ottoman thought. Keywords: Kınalızâde Ali Çelebi, Relationship between Ethics and Politics, Justice (Individual and Social), The Mean (I'tidal), Islamic Philosophy.