12TH GRADUATE CONFERENCE CALL FOR PROPOSALS
As the Istanbul Foundation for Science and Culture, we thank Allah s.t. for enabling us to make the call for the 12th Graduate Conference to support the academic studies carried out on Risale-i Nur. The applications have started for the 12th Graduate Conference to be held on August 6-12, 2023.
The main purpose of this program is to bring together students with M.A and Ph.D. degrees from different disciplines who are interested in Risale-i Nur studies as well as distinguished academics from different branches and to provide the necessary contribution and support to academic studies in accordance with the essence of Risale-i Nur and academic criteria.
In addition, our main target in this year's program is to organize a 5-day training program within the framework of the theme of " ma‘nā ḥarfī " for academic candidates at the master's and doctorate levels, to be able to provide a basis for discussion on the concept which enables a faith-based approach to the sciences.
Religion and science are essential components of human life, with distinct roles in guiding and improving the human experience. Religion offers adherents guidance, instruction, and belief systems that help them live in alignment with their innate human nature. Science, on the other hand, provides tools and knowledge to advance technology and enhance the quality of life. However, the dynamic between religion and science is far from straightforward, and their relationship is more complex than it may seem.
Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, a prominent Muslim scholar, and intellectual from Turkey, offered a contrasting view to the conventional narrative. Nursi advocated for the development of a new approach to scientific activities called the “ma'nā ḥarfī approach”, which is the “letteral meaning referring to the meaning beyond an existing thing.” In this understanding an existing being (mawjud) refers to its existence in the ordinary human consciousness but as a sign (âyah) its true meaning is to refer to its creator. This understanding is indeed expressed by many Muslim scholars since the rise of Islam. However, Ustadh Nursi tries to bring a fresh insight into this understanding by applying it as a conceptual framework to be utilized in modern science today and the expression developed for this is again coming from Islamic scientific tradition is “ma‘nā ḥarfī approach to scientific studies”. As it is known, "ḥarf" means “letter” which has no signification by itself and thus refers to only its symbolic meaning. But when it is with other words it begins to signify something beyond itself depending on the position it takes within a word or sentence. Every being is in the same way refers to itself in a simple manner but t-depending on the position it takes within the universe it begins to signify something more than itself. So this approach emphasizes the importance of exploring beyond the literal or superficial meaning of things and coming closer to understanding the true nature of reality by expressing them as signs of their Creator. Hence in scientific research, rather than simply studying the physical properties of objects, scientists should seek to understand the true meanings of those objects and how they relate to the divine order of the universe.
In this context, the theme of “ma‘nā ḥarfī” will be discussed with 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of discussion every day with 1 teacher from 5 different disciplines within the framework of branches of Islamic disciplines, philosophy, sociology, and theology.
Some of the questions expected to be addressed throughout the program are as follows: “How can we look at the sciences through the perspective of faith?”, “What does the concept of ma‘nā ḥarfī offer in studying the sciences?”, “How can the apparent dilemma of science and religion be dispatched?”
At the end of the program, the participating students will be expected to write a 1000-word “reflection paper” within the framework of the theme of “ma‘nā ḥarfī”, by expanding their proposals on the concept of scientific understanding in Islamic civilization, based on the background they have acquired throughout the program. On the 6th day of the program, where guest academics from home and abroad are expected to contribute for 5 days, a conference will be held where the participants are expected to present their articles.
We hope that this training program will be beneficial for the continuation of successful international academic studies carried out for a while and for the expansion of Risale-i Nur studies on an academic level by including young academics.
A detailed program will be sent to the selected participants at the end of the scientific committee's examination. The program is planned to be held face-to-face at the headquarters of our foundation in Istanbul. All expenses required for the program, such as tickets and accommodation, will be covered by our foundation.
Who can apply?
Without any disciplinary restrictions, all students in master’s and doctorate levels interested in Risale-i Nur studies can apply to the program from the link below.
Application requirements:
Interested graduate scholars are required to submit a 2-3 page article proposal within the framework of any academic discipline related to the theme of “ma‘nā ḥarfī”.
Recent PhD holders may also apply but senior scholars is only by invitation. Thanks.
Required Documents
CV
Reference Letter (optional)
A 2-3 page proposal
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: 15 June 2023
Application Results: 18 June 2023
Program Date: 6-12 August 2023
Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PE0kthj7PkX5HGBkjrj1geUC3ZFtOhVwe7XZVS1P7-M/edit
Note:
Young academics who want to participate in the program should fill in the application form and send the required documents to tugbaturkoglu@iikv.org until 15 June 2023.
The program language is English.
