Sosyal Bilimler ve Eğitim Dergisi ISSN 2651-3935 42 An Assessment of the Qualities of an Ideal Human Being Targeted by the Turkish National Education System with Regard to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory Tuba YAVAŞ 1 Cyprus Science University, Educational Sciences Faculty, Department of Educational Administration Bahar AYGÜN 2 Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ministry of National Education and Culture, Lapta Preschool Hüseyin ULAK 3 Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ABSTRACT Review Article The issue of “the characteristics that an ideal human being should possess” has been a matter of debate for ages in each and every society. In this context, it is aimed in this study to make an assessment to that effect by elaborating the requirements needed to raise individuals with a well- balanced and healthy character in terms of body, mind, morality, spirit and emotion pursuant to the Turkish Basic Law on National Education, with regard to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, which categorizes the needs of an individual into five categories, that are from bottom-up “physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs”, can be a useful tool as it can provide a more holistic approach in determination of the characteristics that an ideal human being should possess. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory may also be useful in clarification of the position of an individual who sees him/herself, or feels as, insufficient in any given aspect. In conclusion, it is recommended of, and expected from, the families and the experts in the field of education to provide guidance to the young generation, taking into account the five dimensions specified in the Turkish Basic Law on National Education numbered 1739, which are body, mind, morality, spirit and emotion. Received: 08.04.2021 Revision received: 07.05.2021 Accepted: 08.05.2021 Published online: 26.05.2021 Key Words: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualization, educational philosophy, Turkish Basic Law on National Education numbered 1739, physical and mental education. Corresponding author: 1 Assoc.Prof.Dr. tuubayavas23@gmail.com Orcid: 0000-0002-7559-1429 2 Teacher b.aygun5059@gmail.com Orcid:0000-0003-3242-6033 3 P.Kur. Albay kaskanakinci@gmail.com Orcid:0000-0002-4077-0195