University students competed with strong arguments in a debate tournament

A Debate Tournament was organized by the Foreign Languages Coordination Office of Üsküdar University. As part of the event, English Preparatory School students from Üsküdar University and Istanbul University came together to showcase their rhetorical and critical thinking skills. Guided by the principle “You win a debate not with brute force, but with a better argument,” the competition featured two separate sessions in which students defended their views on social, ethical, and legal issues shaping modern society.

The event, held at Ayhan Songar Conference Hall on Üsküdar University’s Main Campus, was attended by Foreign Languages Coordinator Dilek Batur, Director of the Center for Strategic Research and Applications Prof. Dr. Havva Kök Arslan, Deputy Director of Istanbul University Preparatory School Instructor Ersoy Gümüş, and Instructor Farbod Zaheri from Üsküdar University’s Foreign Languages Coordination Common Courses Department, along with many academics and students.

“Cancel Culture” under debate

In the first session, B1-level students discussed one of today’s most prominent concepts, “Cancel Culture.” The debate focused on whether excluding individuals or institutions from public support due to negative behavior serves as a mechanism of accountability or constitutes a harmful practice for society.

Students showed strong interest in the session, actively listening to and supporting their peers’ arguments.

The principle of “an eye for an eye” discussed

In the second session, B2-level students approached the debate from a more philosophical and legal perspective by examining the principle of “an eye for an eye.” The discussion centered on whether imposing punishments proportional to the crimes committed is ethically justified within the framework of justice.

Students from Üsküdar University and Istanbul University presented in-depth perspectives on justice, punishment, and society’s legal responsibilities.

At the end of the competition, certificates were awarded to the students by the jury.

The program concluded with a group photograph.