Founded in 2011 by Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Üsküdar Üniversitesi, which has achieved significant successes to date on a path based on these 4 principles – ‘Pluralism, Participation, Freedom-orientedness, Openness to Criticism’ – lives and sustains these principles on every platform with all its family members, especially its students, as well as its academic, administrative, and expert staff…
The 4 principles, also featured in Tarhan’s book ‘The Beautiful Human Model and Values,’ are indispensable and vital values that must be upheld by individuals, societies, institutions, and countries, especially by universities where universal knowledge is produced.
In his book, Tarhan expresses these values as follows:
Pluralism
When we examine the existence of humanity and nature, we see that the principle of pluralism is fundamental. In this respect, pluralism is a value that encompasses not only humans but also nature and other beings within nature. If totalitarianism were a factor in creation, people would satisfy their hunger with a single type of food, and only one season would prevail in the atmosphere. In this sense, pluralism also means defending naturalness.
Where pluralism exists, there is both a multitude of voices and a sense of competition. At the end of this competition, talents develop, and people begin to generate new ideas. However, in monolithic environments, people expend their energy trying to settle for the existing, without feeling the need for change.
Participation
Where pluralism exists, participation must also exist. Pluralism without participation cannot last long. Pluralism is not merely raising a hand and casting a vote on an idea. For pluralism to be said to exist, participation is essential. In both society and the family, individuals’ ideas must be taken into consideration.
Hz. Ali says, “Play with your child until they are seven; be their friend between the ages of 7-15; consult with them after 15, seek their advice.” In this example, it is possible to see how important “consultation” is. Consulting with a child after the age of 15, seeking their ideas, is the first stage of participation. In this way, the child also takes initiative to produce solutions, takes responsibility, and thus develops feelings of belonging and ownership.
If a child's differing opinion is acted upon within the family, the child feels valued; when they realize they have contributed to a decision, their sense of belonging increases. Therefore, we can say that if there is participation in a society, ownership in that society increases. With increased ownership in society, social bonds strengthen. A society becomes a nation when the bonds between people are strong. Transforming society into a nation is possible through common cultural values. For this to happen, people must have a say in the formation of their own cultural ties and standards.
Participation is not an option in societies where individuals choose to remain silent. In such societies, there are only rights and duties; there are no freedoms. The state assigns tasks, and people execute them. This is a totalitarian attitude. Societies with participation, where individuals feel responsible, are societies where democratic values are embedded and lived.
Freedom-orientedness
Freedom has various definitions. Generally, freedom can be defined as an individual’s ability to make their own decisions, make appropriate plans, and achieve their desired outcome. As for what constitutes a free action, the notion that it refers to behaviors that do not affect others is quite widespread.
When defining freedom, it is necessary to discern whether an individual acting as they please constitutes “freedom.” If we reach this distinction, we can easily realize that we do not have the freedom to disobey rules we are obligated to follow. For instance, none of us has the freedom to defy the laws of gravity. Therefore, certain natural, social, and emotional limits exist that restrict human beings. The presence of these three limits cannot be overlooked in a person’s being free.
Does an individual have the freedom to violate rules they are obliged to obey? Or do they have the right to disregard a person they are obligated to obey? Does freedom justify violence? Is taking a deadly risk freedom? The intellectually and emotionally accepted answers to these questions will eliminate ambiguities regarding what freedom is and is not.
Openness to Criticism
Different ideas, such as pluralism and participation, discussed within the scope of democratic values, sometimes clash. These clashes arise from criticism. In environments where criticism is tolerated, creativity emerges. This productivity also gives rise to its antithesis.
As a requirement of a democratic system, extending a hand to those who criticize you will direct criticism towards a beneficial path. Individuals and societies far removed from polyphony, instead of shaking hands with democracy, respond by extending their claws to the outstretched hand. The desire to silence differing opinions hinders the development of democracy as it reduces inquiry.
In societies that dare to confront, progress continues rapidly. A seed becomes a flower if it dares to confront nature, wind, and atmosphere. If it remains beneath the soil, it rots away. Ideas and thoughts can only develop through contact with external influence. They must not remain hidden to progress.
Ideas that undergo many unseen processes sometimes have to burn in the acid of criticism. Criticism is like the acid that separates gold from copper; it is ideal for distinguishing good from bad, right from wrong.
Discussions conducted within the framework of democratic values and peaceful methods are like the fire that separates diamond from coal, revealing the diamond. At this stage, participation added to peace also uncovers talents that are difficult to perceive. Ultimately, the jewel of consensus is born. And finally, the treasure of peace is formed.