1,383 research outputs found

    From Theological Mind to Mystical Inspiration: Criticism of (Islamic) Theology in Mystical Thought

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    Philosophy, theology and tasawwuf are three main disciplines of Islamic thought. Among them, while philosophy and theology give the human intellect priority, according to tasawwuf, unveiling/intuition is epistemologically more valuable. This book points out some disagreements seen among these disciplines. Especially, we see the negative attitudes of tasawwuf against the human intellect with references to remarkable Sufis. Therefore, the book that we review is a beneficial source for those who are interested in comparative readings on the epistemologies of theology and tasawwuf.https://doi.org/10.29288/ilted.51776

    Reason and Rationality in the Epistles of Ikhwan al-Safa'

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    Ikhwan al-safa' are one of the most significant groups of authors of Islamic thought. Their teachings became influential where philosophy and Sufism and reason and intuition came together. Ikhwan al-safa' adopted Neoplatonic philosophy to Islamic thought and affected the course of events and developments of Islamic philosophy and Sufism. Nevertheless, some researchers claim to have Ikhwan al-safa' evaluated issues superficially and not had original ideas and approaches. However, the fact that Ikhwan al-safa' throughout their thoughts constituted a consistent relationship between cosmology and epistemology is a valuable success. This article aims to examine how Ikhwan al-safa' approached their concept of reason (al-'aql). It is possible to evaluate the concept, reason, in the contexts of cosmology, morality, and epistemology. Ikhwan al-safa' also used this concept carefully and consistently by taking those contexts into consideration. Reason, which refers to an important communication channel between God and human beings, is the most human side of the soul. At the end of this research, we reached the conclusion that Ikhwan al-safa' accept even the intuition and revelation as rational activities.https://doi.org/10.29288/ilted.57442

    Climate Change and Security: A Threat Analysis

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    The evolving nature of regional and global threats throughout history and the transformations in how wars are conducted have led to a gradual change in the perception of security. This evolution has diversified the scope, structure, actors, and objects of security. The increasing environmental damage, especially after the Industrial Revolution, has significantly augmented environmental problems, which have been directly linked to security since the 1960s and 1970s. In this context, the study thoroughly examines the multifaceted relationship between climate change and security, which stands out as the most prominent environmental concern. It meticulously analyzes the various security threats instigated by climate change. Ultimately, it proposes potential measures and precautions to address these threats. In its broadest sense, security is defined as a state of being free from danger, risk, and threats, with the concept of threat holding a central position in security definitions. While acknowledging that security is a relative concept akin to love, freedom, and power, making a definitive definition challenging, there is a consensus on its vital importance for entities such as individuals and states. It is noted that resources can be sacrificed to ensure security. The fundamental elements in defining security include the referent object, the threat element, the legitimate provider of security, the means and methods of ensuring security, and what can be relinquished for its allocation. Determining threats by political decision-making mechanisms has also drawn criticism regarding its potential use as a tool of oppression. The need for security emerged with the transition to settled life, subsequently contributing to the rise of states, armies, and wars, with the understanding of warfare and security transforming following technological advancements post-Cold War. Proxy wars and deterring mass destruction weapons became significant aspects of this era. The emergence of non-state actors and irregular elements in new forms of warfare has blurred the lines of threats, while private military companies have also appeared as security providers. Security is considered across three dimensions: national security, near-environment security, and global security, and the Copenhagen School's securitization theory suggests that security can also be viewed as a negative concept. Securitization involves presenting a situation not normally considered a security issue as a threat. Efforts by state actors to establish control over society through securitization can impede the resolution of actual security problems. Security is the second most basic need in Maslow's hierarchy and is analyzed at individual, national, regional, international, and global levels. Security has military, political, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The increasing environmental problems, particularly climate change, have broadened the scope of security and elevated the importance of environmental security. Climate change is regarded as the most significant global security threat among environmental issues, primarily because it profoundly affects human lives and living standards. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by increased greenhouse gas levels due to the burning of fossil fuels after the Industrial Revolution. Rising global population, industrial activities, deforestation, and various emissions exacerbate this process. The consequences of climate change include drought, desertification, floods, storms, epidemics, sea-level rise, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and pollution of water resources. These issues contribute to social, political, and economic instability, irregular migration, terrorism, water scarcity, and resource competition, thereby threatening regional and global security. The perception of climate change as a security threat has also brought the concept of climate justice to the forefront, highlighting the disproportionate impact on countries with minimal contribution to climate change. It is argued that countries with greater responsibility should support less impactful nations to address this injustice. Migration holds a significant place among the primary security threats caused by climate change. Climate-induced environmental problems make life unsustainable in some regions, forcing people to migrate to more habitable areas. Drought, water scarcity, sea-level rise, and limited food access are key drivers of this migration. Climate migration can lead to social tensions, power vacuums, and civil conflict risk in originating and destination countries. Resource competition and terrorism are also critical security threats triggered by climate change. The struggle for dwindling natural resources intensifies competition among nations, while desertification and poverty can create fertile ground for the organization of radical groups. Poverty is another indirect but significant security implication of climate change. Climate change reduces agricultural output, increases food prices, and disproportionately affects people experiencing poverty. Impoverished individuals are more susceptible to migration, joining radical groups, or engaging in criminal activities. The deterioration of human health is also a substantial security threat posed by climate change. Air pollution, water contamination, the use of pesticides, and natural disasters negatively impact human health. The increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change lead to human and economic losses, threatening national security. Water supply is a critical security area affected by climate change. Climate change disrupts hydrological cycles, degrades the quality of potable water sources, and can trigger conflicts due to scarcity. Similarly, food supply is becoming a security threat due to climate change-induced desertification, droughts, and pest infestations. Disruptions in food and water supply directly impact human lives, increasing the fragility of nations. Addressing security threats stemming from climate change necessitates global cooperation. Key proposed measures include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, preserving ecological balance, supporting international collaborations, alleviating poverty, fostering sustainable economic activities, ensuring resource security, preventing food and water waste, updating disaster management plans, and raising awareness for climate justice. In conclusion, the security threats from climate change are expected to intensify shortly, necessitating more radical national and international measures

    Kaya, Emrah. “A Comparative Study: Epistemology and Theology of Ibn al-ʿArabī and Ibn Taymiyya”. Doktora tezi, Nottingham Üniversitesi, İngiltere, 2016.

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    This thesis explores the epistemology and theology of a Sufi theorist Ibn al-ʿArabī (d. 1248) and one of the most controversial Muslim scholars Ibn Taymiyya (d. 1328) comparatively. Although scholars have long emphasized the differences between these two influential and significant figures, the purpose of this thesis is to focus on their potential similarities. The present work at the outset shows that both Ibn al-ʿArabī and Ibn Taymiyya regard revelation, the human intellect, and inspiration – unveiling (ilhām – kashf) to be the main epistemological means for acquiring religious knowledge. However, they differ over the relative value of these means or tools. Both Ibn al-ʿArabī and Ibn Taymiyya place revelation at the top of the hierarchy, but after that Ibn al-ʿArabī places inspiration – unveiling ahead of reason while Ibn Taymiyya reverses the order.The other main subject elaborated in this thesis is the theological issue of the divine names and attributes. This subject is connected to many other theological problems, and both Ibn al-ʿArabī and Ibn Taymiyya pay considerable attention to it. Just as many similar approaches, ideas, and interpretations may be seen concerning their epistemological stances, it is possible to see similarities in their theological positions although there are crucial distinctions as well. The unique way of finding out this similarity is to keep in mind the existence of the duality found in the thought and expression of Ibn al-ʿArabī.Briefly, the main finding of the thesis is that Ibn al-ʿArabī and Ibn Taymiyya are more similar in their epistemologies and theologies than many scholars have thought. They are benefitting from the same epistemological means while putting them in different order. Also, they share similar theological points concerning the divine names and attributes, creation, the divine will, and the incomparability of God while expressing them through different conceptions and styles.  Bu tez, Sûfi kuramcı İbnü’l-Arabȋ ve en tartışmalı Müslüman âlimlerden birisi olan İbn Teymiyye’nin bilgi felsefesini ve teolojisini karşılaştırmalı olarak incelemektedir. Alan çalışması yapanlar tarafından uzunca bir dönem bu iki önemli ve etkili figürün farklılıkları vurgulanmış olmasına rağmen bu tezin amacı bu iki düşünürün arasında bulunabilecek potansiyel benzerliklere odaklanmaktır. Bu çalışma, başlangıç olarak İbnü’l-Arabȋ ve İbn Teymiyye’nin dinî bilgi elde etmede vahyi, insan aklını ve ilhamı temel epistemolojik araçlar olarak gördüğünü belirtmektedir. Buna karşın, onlar bu epistemolojik araçlara değer atfetmede farklılık gösterirler. İbnü’l-Arabȋ ve İbn Teymiyye vahyi epistemolojik hiyerarşilerinde en üste yerleştirirken, birincisi ilhamı-keşfi aklın üstünde tutmayı, ikincisi ise insan aklını ilhamın üstünde tutmayı tercih etmiştir.Bu çalışmamızda ele alınan bir diğer ana konu da teolojik bir mesele olan ilahî isim ve sıfatlardır. Diğer birçok teolojik mesele ile ilişkili olan bu konuya hem İbnü’l-Arabȋ hem de İbn Teymiyye dikkate değer bir şekilde önem vermişlerdir. Tüm önemli farklılıklarına rağmen nasıl ki epistemoloji meselesindeki tutumlarında benzer yaklaşımlar, düşünceler ve yorumlar görülebiliyorsa aynı şekilde teolojik pozisyonlarında da benzerlikleri görmek mümkündür. Bu benzerliği bulmanın yegâne yolu ise İbnü’l-Arabȋ’nin düşünce ve ifadelerinde var olan çift yönlülüğün akılda tutulmasıdır.Kısacası, bu tezin elde ettiği asıl bulgu İbnü’l-Arabȋ ve İbn Teymiyye’nin epistemolojilerinde ve teolojilerinde alanda çalışma yapanların düşündüklerinden daha fazla benzerliklerin olduğudur. Farklı sıralama yapılsa dahi bilgiyi aynı epistemolojik araçlardan elde ettiklerini görmekteyiz. Aynı zamanda farklı terimler ve ifade tarzlarıyla ortaya konulmuş olsa da ilahî isim ve sıfatlar, yaratma, ilahî irade ve Allah’ın münezzeh oluşu gibi teolojik meselelerde benzer bir pozisyon aldıkları de görülecektir

    Mechanical and thermal behavior of non-crimp glass fiber reinforced layered clay/epoxy nanocomposites

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    Mechanical and thermal properties of non-crimp glass fiber reinforced clay/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. Clay/epoxy nanocomposite systems were prepared to use as the matrix material for composite laminates. X-ray diffraction results obtained from natural and modified clays indicated that intergallery spacing of the layered clay increases with surface treatment. Tensile tests indicated that clay loading has minor effect on the tensile properties. Flexural properties of laminates were improved by clay addition due to the improved interface between glass fibers and epoxy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the modified clay particles affected the glass transition temperatures (T g) of the nanocomposites. Incorporation of surface treated clay particles increased the dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposite laminates. It was found that the flame resistance of composites was improved significantly by clay addition into the epoxy matrix.TÜBİTAK 104M36

    The Portrayal of Family and Self-reflexivity in Luigi Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author

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    Luigi Pirandello’s play, Six Characters in Search of an Author (1921, Sei personaggi in cerca d’autore) portrays numerous significant and functional characteristics of metatheatre, a concept coined by Lionel Abel. By drawing on such metatheatrical features and the play within a play technique, Pirandello’s play presents six characters that are in search of an author. This study will, therefore, explain the concept of metatheatre and present a critical analysis of the play, Six Characters as a self-reflexive play. In this critical engagement with the text through specific references from the play and relevant secondary sources, important themes in the play such as reality and illusion, life, art, and the representation of the family in the play will be analysed. This analysis will ultimately demonstrate that Pirandello presents six characters that are self-conscious of their position as dramatic characters that manage to act out their roles, which actually reveal the family relationships between the characters

    Globalization's Challenge to Nation-State Sovereignty and Conflicts in the Middle East

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    Globalization, through social media, international organizations, cultural demands, and various political, social, and economic models, challenges traditional nation-state structures that depend on singular cultural identities and well-defined borders. These developments have had a particularly distinct impact on the Middle East compared to the West. Due to historical, social and political differences, these countries have not been able to fully implement the process of becoming a nation-state. Therefore, the lack of stable and inclusive governance has led to them having far deeper problems with globalization than the West. As a result, new demands in Middle Eastern societies are often expressed not through democratic or cultural avenues, but through violence, as the existing nation-states are neither stable and secure, nor democratic. This situation is further complicated by international pressures and interventions leading to sectarian and ethnic divisions, and even conflicts. According to the findings, in the sensitive social environment of the Middle East, such interventions exacerbate long-standing tensions and deepen crises, sometimes resulting in civil wars. For instance, the events in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Lebanon illustrate how the combination of globalization and external interventions have led to irreversible conflicts and polarized societies along identity-based lines

    The analysis of the official records of Gumushane emergency disaster progress i?n the last 50 years

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    YÖK Tez No: 443604Bu çalışma; tanımlayıcı tipte bir araştırma olup, Gümüşhane İlinde İl Afet Müdürlüğü'nün acil durum ve afetlerle ilgili son 50 yılda tutulan resmi kayıtları analiz etmek amacıyla kayıt tarama şeklinde yapılmıştır. Bu çalışma ile Gümüşhane İlinde, son 50 yılda gerçekleşen ve kayıtlarda yer alan 143 afetten 93 tanesinin (%65) heyelan, olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Heyelandan sonra en sık görülen 2. afet türünün kaya düşmesi olduğu kayıtlardan anlaşılmaktadır. Gümüşhane Merkez ve Torul ilçesinde meydana gelen afet sayısı diğer ilçelere göre daha fazladır. Gümüşhane'de meydana gelen afetlerin yarıdan fazlası 3. derecede deprem bölgesi kuşağında gerçekleşmiştir. Bu çalışmayla, dosyalarda ciddi anlamda girilen verilerde eksikler olduğu, belirli bir standartta yazılmadığı, kişisel görüşlere fazlaca yer verildiği, etüt ve raporların eksik olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Çalışmada, Dosyalarda afet zamanları tam olarak girilmediğinden etüt çalışmaları ve raporların oluşturulma zamanları incelendiğinde etüt çalışmalarının ilkbahar ve sonbahar aylarında arttığı, rapor sayılarının ise kışın ve yazın arttığı gözlemlenmiştir.This thesis is describing search moreover in last fifty years' official data relating to emergencies and disaster of Gümüşhane Disaster provincial directorate is searched so as to analyze. Throughout last fifty years', 143 disasters occur in Gümüşhane. 143 disasters involve 93 landslides (65%) thus landslides are most of disasters. Rock fall is second general disaster. When events which are happen in Gümüşhane city center and Torul district are calculated, the number of these disasters are many than rest of Gümüşhane. More than half of disasters take place in 3rd seismic zone.Lacking data, nonstandard writing, private views are comprehended thanks to the study for official parameters. Disasters usually happen in spring term and fall term but terms of surveying and reporting are summer and winter therefore dates of disasters are not clear

    International System Changes and the Israel-Gaza War

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    The September 11 attacks triggered the decline of American hegemony and the debates in the international system following the 2008 global economic crisis. The decline of American power and the shift in the balance of power by alternative actors have called the existing world system into question. In this context, powerful actors have the advantage of determining the basic criteria of bilateral and multilateral relations in line with their own interests. Systemic structures can fracture upon a shift in the balance of power. Powerful states constantly seek to remain the strongest in order to guarantee security and develop policies to prevent other countries from seeking power. In the last two centuries, major wars have caused shifts in the balance of power, supporting the argument that the current international system could be in the throes of a major war. In particular, a potential war between the United States and China or tensions between Europe and Russia raise the specter of a third world war. The concept of power is analyzed in the literature through two main distinctions: hard power and soft power. In recent years, rapid developments in weapons and information technologies have led to the diversification of power. The definitions of smart power and sharp power have also begun to appear in the literature. While hard power involves tangible elements such as military capacity, soft power is about a state's charm and normative superiority. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the United States and the Soviet Union had a clear advantage in terms of hard power. However, over time, this gap has started to close and China, in particular, has reached a level where it can compete with the US in the military and economic spheres. In terms of soft power, the West continues to dominate. Concepts such as liberal democracy, human rights and the rule of law reinforce the normative power of the West. However, the recent conflicts, especially the Israel-Gaza War, call into question the normative power of the West. After the October 7, 2023 attacks, Israel's practices question the validity of Western rhetoric on human rights and international law. The article emphasizes how international systems are constructed and the importance of systemic analyses of power. Israel's policies in Gaza have the potential to end the normative supremacy of the West. In this context, the functioning of international institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) is also discussed. Although the UN is a source of international legitimacy, Israel's disregard of its resolutions and the West's indifference to this situation lead to a decline in normative power. Israel's attacks against the UN Peacekeeping Force and its attitude towards the International Criminal Court undermine the normative supremacy of the West. America and Europe's refraining from imposing sanctions against Israel's actions reveals the hypocrisy on international law and human rights. This is a development that threatens the future of the Western-centered international system. In conclusion, the decline in America's military and economic power after 9/11, the 2008 economic crisis and the competition with China have led the international system to evolve into a multipolar structure. The Israel-Gaza War stands out as a breaking point that calls into question the normative superiority of the West. This war will constitute a critical threshold in the search for a new system in international relations
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