CRITICISM ETIQUETTE IN ACADEMIC PROCESSES: REFLECTIONS OF A TRAGIC MEGALOMANIACAL ATTITUDE

Abstract

This paper mainly deals with the ethical rules of discussion in a scholarly conference that is of great importance for scientific studies. As a case study, it provides an analytical and critical approach to Mustafa Öztürk‟s review article titled “Serzeniş” (reproach) appeared in his column in Karar Newspaper in response to a discussant from academia at the Symposium on Zāhirī and Salafī Interpretation of Religion. Provided that ethical principles are observed, critique is an effort that allows exchange of views in academic processes and helps the academics to improve their works, in Öztürk‟s mentioned article, this, unfortunately, turns into an occasion of insult rather than criticism. In this article, he uses a style that peaks in humiliation, contempt and rudeness and violates all the rules of courtesy and ethical principles. Written in a style that can never be attributed to a scientist, Öztürk‟s article denigrates not only his discussant but also almost all researchers working in the field of Islamic theology. He goes even further to claim that some Companions of the Prophet could be the first and primitive figures to understand the Qur‟an and Sunnah and specifically targets Ibn Umar, a leading scholar among the Companions. This article does not aim to respond to Öztürk with his own style, but rather to raise an awareness in the academic community about the manners of scholarly discussion and critique.