A “Debate Competition” was organized by the Üsküdar University Foreign Languages Coordination. As part of the competition, students from Üsküdar University and İstanbul University English Preparatory School came together to showcase their rhetoric and critical thinking skills. In the competition, held under the principle 'You win a debate with a better argument, not with brute force,' students defended their ideas in two separate sessions focusing on social and legal ethical discussions of modern society.
The event, held at the Ayhan Songar Conference Hall of Üsküdar University Central Campus, was attended by Foreign Languages Coordinator Lecturer Dilek Batur, Üsküdar University Strategic Research Application and Research Center Director Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, İstanbul University Preparatory School Assistant Director Lecturer Ersoy Gümüş, and Lecturer Farbod Zaheri from Üsküdar University Foreign Languages Coordination Common Courses Department, as well as many academics and students.
“Cancel Culture” Discussed
In the first session, B1 level students addressed 'Cancel Culture,' one of today's prominent concepts. The debate discussed whether excluding individuals or institutions from social support due to negative behavior is an accountability mechanism or a harmful practice for society.
Students showed keen interest in the session, aiming to listen to and support their friends' arguments.
The Principle of 'An Eye for an Eye' Discussed
In the second session of the debate, B2 level students discussed the principle of 'an eye for an eye' within a more philosophical and legal framework. The session addressed whether applying punishments proportionate to the crimes committed by offenders is correct from the perspective of justice ethics.
Students from Üsküdar University and İstanbul University offered in-depth views on justice, punishment, and society's legal responsibilities.
As part of the competition, certificates were presented to the students by the jury.
The program concluded with a group photo session.