On November 21, 2025, at the Faculty of History, Economics, and Law of Makhambet Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, under the guidance of Ayzhan Muratovna Esentaeva, PhD in Philosophy and Senior Lecturer of the Social Sciences program, an intellectual event titled “The Meaning of Life and Happiness: A Philosophical Perspective” was held in honor of International Philosophy Day. The event was organized by the philosophical club Social-Emotional and Ethical Education (SEEE) (PHILCLUB).
The event was attended by Gulbaram Tlekkabylovna Zhalekenova, Deputy Dean for Educational Work of the Faculty of History, Economics, and Law, Senior Lecturer, MA in History as well as Nurshat Nursultanovna Maimanova, Lecturer of the Social Sciences program MA in History.Second-year students participated in the intellectual event: Zhienbai Akzhayna (IR-21), Kuanysheva Perizat (IR-21), Maksotova Aymzhan (IR-21), Ibrash Karakat (IR-21), Sabirova Sabina (T-21), Anvar Dauren (F-21), Karimzhanova Bayan (T-21), Zakariya Fatima (T-21), Mazhitova Alina (T-21), Kares Kalampyr (T-21), Leskyzy Gulsezim (HSS-21), Orysbay Nesibeli (HSS-21), Aizharik Nursultan (H-23), Baktygulov Shyngys (H-21), Oserbay Aynaz (HAMS-21), Zhusip Gulzhanat (HAMS-21), Ayazbay Nazerke (LS-21), Izbanova Aizada (L-23), Elaman Dosymkhan (L-23), Sagatova Aruzhan (L-25), Sapargali Ayaulim (L-21), Sabyrzhan Adil (L-21).
The purpose of the event was to discuss the meaning of life and happiness from a philosophical perspective, exchange opinions, reflect on the ideas of thinkers from different eras, and compare them with personal experience. The event was hosted by two students of the HSS-21 group, Sayan Maksotov and Aktilek Dauletbekkyzy. The hosts warmly welcomed the students and focused the participants’ attention on the main theme of the meeting – “The Meaning of Life and Happiness: A Philosophical Perspective”.
Ayzhan Muratovna Esentaeva explained that International Philosophy Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November, as initiated by UNESCO, highlighting the importance of philosophy in social development, fostering a culture of critical thinking, and the necessity of a philosophical approach to global human problems. The hosts also noted that the question of the meaning of life and happiness has remained at the center of philosophers’ attention throughout history, with each era providing its own unique interpretation of these concepts.Students were presented with the main philosophical ideas of Socrates, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, Descartes, Kant, Sartre, and Camus. Students Leskyzy Gulsezim (HSS-21), Kuanysheva Perizat (IR-21), and Anvar Dauren (F-21) shared brief reflections, comparing the philosophers’ ideas and expressing their own understanding of the problem.
Students participated in intellectual games consisting of four stages:
- Philosophical Cells — questions about the meaning of life and happiness;
- Intellectual Arena — logical and cognitive questions;
- Philosophical Duel — short debates;
- Philosophers’ Mosaic — assembling a mosaic from images of thinkers.
The hosts summarized all rounds and thanked the participants. Jury members Asilzhan Muratova (H-21) and Erkzhan Ryskalieva (H-21), together with Ayzhan Muratovna, awarded the students with certificates. The students expressed gratitude for the informative and inspiring event. The event contributed to the development of philosophical thinking, analytical skills, teamwork, and creative activity among students. The meeting was held at a high level and provided participants with an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the meaning of life and the nature of happiness.
