5DThinking
It is a unique approach to read the universe ... ...like an elegant book. It is a new way of understanding science... ...to strengthen your belief and establish sound character.
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USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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An Alternative Approach
The contemporary conception of science leads to an understanding that science is universal through cultures and civilizations. Therefore, it is conceived that science crosses borders and goes beyond cultures and civilizations. This conception is a misleading mentality resulting from the globalization rampant in the last two centuries. The speedy mass communication and transportation facilities enables us to reach other scientists’ writings and to come together to discuss issues and ideas we develop independently. This misleads us to think that science is universal. Consequently, this conception imposes its secular and atheist perspective on all other scientists. If a scientist opposes this secularist atheism of science s/he is at once pushed out of the boundaries of scientific activities. Some scholars argue that the secular atheism prevalent in scientific circles does not belong to science but rather to the scientist who introduces his/her interpretation to his/her findings. This naïve idea is entertained by usually religious minded scientists who are succumbed into the folly of the contemporary global conception defending the universality of science. They defend the idea that science is neutral, but scientist is not and cannot be neutral. We, on the other hand, defend the idea that any activity that depends on human beings whether it is science, or any other social activity can never be neutral and value-free.

That is why this program is designed to introduce an epistemological perspective in teaching science that is not using the global mental framework utilized in scientific activities and especially in teaching science. Since this socio-epistemological perspective pays attention to the socio-cultural conditions of the world, it will try to pave the way to introduce a novel approach coined by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi as “letteral perspective or other indicative meaning” (mana-i harfî). We need to elaborate briefly the epistemology of science utilized in this application.

As human beings whenever we do something we do it in accordance with whatever we have as knowledge related to that activity; the totality of that knowledge which is accumulated in our mind as clusters of concepts in an orderly manner is called “worldview”. Hence, everything in life takes place in accordance with our worldview.

The complete process of acquiring scientific knowledge is based on our knowledge system which works in a similar fashion as our digestive system. Now, the human system of digestion is universal, just like our system of knowledge. However, the manifestation of these systems are not universal and that allows us to develop different culinary culture as well as knowledge culture upon which scientific traditions are built. In today’s world as we live in a global system in future perhaps many differences will fade away and we will reach a general but not universal framework within which we all continue our scientific activities. It is this state of affairs that lead us to come up with some minimum requirements that will leave room for cultural varieties and differences in scientific mental frameworks so that our cooperation becomes more meaningful. We can in this way defend a holistic conception of science based on our understanding of the letteral perspective as well as recognizing the framework of other scientists.

Every society has its own worldview as a dominant mental conception. If this is the case then since every scientist will carry out his/her scientific activities in accordance with her/his worldview then there will necessarily be a difference in their conception of science. This does not mean that they cannot cooperate in scientific activities; on the contrary, they can, but they will hide in this cooperation their beliefs within their worldviews and ideas that may lead to disagreements in their collaboration. After they complete their research they will express their ideas differently. However, the current conception of science is almost exclusively based on an atheistic and secularist perspective which almost completely abandons a religious perspective. Our program aims at developing a new perspective which enables the scientist to look at things not as things in themselves but rather as things beyond themselves. This way of looking brings a fresh breathing space for those who appropriate a conception of science that reserves room for faith approach.
Keep Reading Guiding Questions
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Guiding Questions
(why) does science and religion contradict/complement each other?
Why does modern education produce excellence without a soul?
How can we view the universe as a meaningful book?
How can we read the book of the universe?
How can we derive character lessons from scientific studies of the universe?
Why character point of average (CPA) is more important than grade point of average (GPA) in bringing higher subjective wellbeing and success?

Keep Reading 5D Thinking
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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5D Thinking
The program will use five-dimensions (5D) as an ethico-epistemological perspective to teach a scientific reading of the universe. Each dimension is designed to give the student a new insight into first an understanding of scientific approach to cosmos which will help develop good character towards both scientific knowledge and its object that is our universe. The model assumes that God speaks through His words in various revelations and through His works in His creative acts in the universe. It aims to derive God’s character lessons embedded in scientific studies of the universe. It will link Divine acts manifested in the universe to Divine names and attributes.

The program aims to cover certain character traits such as hardworking, persistence, patient, humility, honesty, compassion, self-confidence, self-worth, other regarding. Those character traits will be taught through derived lessons from scientific knowledge. They will be reinforced through relevant citations from major religious texts such as Old and New Testaments, Quran, etc.

The program curriculum is based on 5D thinking model which provides a holistic vision to see science and religion as expressions of a single reality. The model consists of the following thinking dimensions:

The first dimension (analytical/scientific thinking) demonstrates how to filter embedded atheistic ideology from pure scientific knowledge. It explores a particular cosmic phenomenon based on scientific understanding without ascribing the ultimate reality to material causes, nature, or chance.

The second dimension (analogical thinking) compares and contrasts the observed phenomena in the cosmos with human-made phenomena for better comprehension. This dimension is based on the phenomenological approach assuming that the knowledge of the transcendent self is the key to learn everything else. It provides a useful analogy that helps readers learn and interpret unknown phenomena through their knowledge of known phenomena.

The third dimension (critical thinking) helps readers question how the observed phenomena might have come into existence. Through critical thinking, it encourages readers to question material causes, natural properties and chance as possible sources of our observed reality. It aims to guide readers beyond material causation and natural properties to pursue hidden realities.

The fourth dimension (metaphysical thinking) helps readers seek the Maker of the observed phenomena and understand the hidden messages/meanings of His acts. It makes an argument that given the interconnectivity of everything in the universe, the Maker of one thing is the Maker of everything. It also shows how to read God’s knowledge by reflecting on His works in the universe like a meaningful book.

The fifth dimension (moral thinking) encourages readers to reflect on the benefits of the observed phenomena and emphasizes how everything is custom-made for a specific beneficial outcome. It encourages readers to reflect on God’s creation as a unique and precious gift for them and/or others. It guides them on how to derive character lessons from the observed phenomena as a result of the contemplation included in the previous dimensions. It invites them to feel sincere appreciation for the special gifts granted by the Most Merciful and Most Kind. It encourages them to show kindness to others through good character.

In short, the 5D thinking approach aims to develop positive views of science from a holistic perspective, as a means for building better character. It will show how to gain character lessons by studying the universe for both instrumental and meditative knowledge.
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USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Courses
The certificate program will consist of two courses which are equivalent to 6 semester credits in total as shown below:
RNK-PHIL 542: Epistemology of Science: A Theoretical Approach
3 credits
RNK-PHIL 543: Philosophy and Teaching of Science: 5D Thinking Approach
3 credits
RNK-PHIL 544: Reading Said Nursi Reading the Creation
3 credits
More detailed syllabus for each course will be provided.

Keep Reading Schedule & Delivery
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Schedule & Delivery
Three hours per weekday for each course with a total of 45 teaching hours in 15 weeks.
For both courses, the total teaching hours will be 90.
Though students are strongly encouraged to take both courses, they might be allowed to take one only.
Courses will be offered in two sessions: morning and evening sessions. The morning session targets students from the eastern region of the world while the evening session target the western region.
The morning session will begin at 13:30 pm Istanbul time (18:30 Kuala Lumpur time)
The evening session will begin at 18:00 pm Istanbul time (11:00 am Eastern time)
COURSE M T W T F
RNK-PHIL 542
Epistemology of Science
A Theoretical Approach
13:30-16:30 pm Istanbul time 18:00-21:00 pm Istanbul time
RNK-PHIL 543
Philosophy and Teaching of Science
5D Thinking Approach
13:30-16:30 pm Istanbul time 18:00-21:00 pm Istanbul time
RNK-PHIL 544
Reading Said Nursi
Reading the Creation
15:30-18:30 pm Istanbul time
The courses will be taught through live lessons via Zoom App
Keep Reading Instructors
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Instructors
COURSE Leading Instructor Guest Instructors
RNK-PHIL 542
Epistemology of Science and Five-Dimensional Thinking
A Theoretical Approach
Prof.Alparslan Acikgenc
The author of Islamic Scientific Tradition in History, ISTAC, (2014) Malaysia.
Prof.Colin Turner
Prof.Yunus Cengel
Prof.Ibrahim Ozdemir
Prof.Necati Aydin
Prof.Farid Alatas
Prof.Berghout Abdelaziz
RNK-PHIL 543
A New Understanding of Science through 5D Thinking
A Practical Approach
Prof.Necati Aydin
The author of Said Nursi and Science in Islam: Character Building Through Nursi’s Mana-i Harfi (2019), Routledge.
Prof.Alparslan Acikgenc
Prof.Colin Turner
Prof.Yunus Cengel
Prof.Ibrahim Ozdemir
Ms.Nadine Kamal
Prof.Berghout Abdelaziz
RNK-PHIL 544
Reading Said Nursi
Reading the Creation
Dr.Colin Turner
The author of Qur'an Revealed: A Critical Analysis of Said Nursi's Epistles of Light (2013), Gerlach.
Prof.Alparslan Acikgenc
Prof.Colin Turner
Prof.Yunus Cengel
Prof.Ibrahim Ozdemir
Ms.Nadine Kamal
Prof.Berghout Abdelaziz
Brief Bio of Instructors
Dr. Alparslan Acikgenc (President of Nursi Society)
Dr. Açıkgenç holds a Ph. D. from the University of Chicago. His main interest of research is the history of scientific traditions of diverse civilizations, primarily Islamic and Western. He wrote a number of books and articles on religion and science, particularly on epistemology and sociology of science. His most recent work, Islamic Scientific Tradition in History (Kuala Lumpur, 2014) won the national science book award of Malaysia for the year 2014. Currently Dr. Açıkgenç is the president of Asian Philosophical Association and a member of Turkish Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Necati Aydin (Vice President of Nursi Society)
Dr. Necati Aydin is a professor of economics exploring wellbeing and moral economy from a multi-disciplinary perspective. He has two doctoral degrees, one in education and the other in economics. He worked as a researcher in the USA for a decade completing over forty research projects before embarking on his academic career. He has authored nine books, translated two, co-authored three books, and published many peer-reviewed articles. He has published several articles within the Islamic moral economy based on Nursi's writings. Last year, he published a book through Routledge titled as "Said Nursi and Science in Islam, Character Building through Mana-i Harfi Approach". He is also a recent book titled "3D of Happiness: Pleasure, Meaning, and Spirituality". He is the project leader of science workbook series based on the mana-i harfi approach. He is the founding member of Nursi Society. He currently serves as Vice President of the Society.
Dr. Colin Turner (Ph.D. in Islamic Studies), Professor (retired) of Islamic Thought, Durham University, UK
Dr.Turner is Director at International Foundation for Muslim Theology. He taught for over twenty years several courses on Islam at Durham University. Though his research covers a wide range of topics such as Muslim theology and philosophy, the history of Muslim political thought, Sufi spirituality, the Qur'an and Qur'anic exegesis, he recently focuses on the life and works of Said Nursi. In addition to several journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, he authored the following books on Nursi: Makers of Islamic Civilization: Said Nursi. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009; Qur'an Revealed: A Critical Analysis of Said Nursi's Epistles of Light, 2013.
Dr. Yunus Cengel (Ph.D. in mechanical engineering), Professor Emeritus, Nevada University
Though Dr.Cengel has a Ph.D. in engineering and taught conventional science courses several universities for many years, he recently shifted his research toward philosophy of science and spirituality. He is an international academic bestseller authoring the following textbooks from McGraw-Hill, Inc.: "Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach" (8th ed, 2014), “Introduction to Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (2nd ed, 2008), "Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamental and Applications (5th ed, 2014), “Fundamentals of Thermal-Fluid Sciences” (3rd ed, July 2007), and “Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications” (3rd ed., 2014), Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists (2013)
Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir
Dr.Özdemir is known for his studies in environmental philosophy in general and Islamic environmentalism in particular. After finishing his dissertation, The Ethical Dimension of Human Attitude Towards Nature (1997), he focused on Religion and Ecology. In his first major work, The Ethical Dimension of Human Attitude Towards Nature, Özdemir suggested that there is a philosophical and ethical dimension to environmental problems. While the technological, scientific and other relevant dimensions of the problem are acknowledged, the main emphasis is given to the ethical dimension of the issue at hand. He co-edited the following book with Dr.Ian Markham: Globalization, Ethics and Islam, editors: Ashgate. 2005.
Dr. Farid Alatas
Syed Farid Alatas is Professor of Sociology at the National University of Singapore. He also headed the Department of Malay Studies at NUS from 2007 till 2013. Prof. Alatas has authored numerous books and articles, including Ibn Khaldun (Oxford University Press, 2013); Applying Ibn Khaldun: The Recovery of a Lost Tradition in Sociology (Routledge, 2014), and (with Vineeta Sinha) Sociological Theory Beyond the Canon (Palgrave, 2017). His areas of interest are the sociology of Islam, social theory, religion and reform, intra- and inter-religious dialogue, and the study of Orientalism.
Ms. Nadine Kamal
She is a Secondary Science teacher and co-author of 5D Thinking Workbook Series. She earned her Bachelor of Science (Honors Biology) degree from the University of Waterloo and is currently in the process of completing a Master’s in Education from the University of Dundee. She has taught children between the ages of 8 and 18 and has experience teaching the International Baccalaureate, American, and English National curricula. She has an avid interest in international education, refugee education and the wellbeing of children and young adults. Nadine has always been fascinated with how science and spirituality intersect. She feels that the current school system lacks an element of ‘wonder’ and leaves little room for children to ponder upon the mystical elements of the universe.
Dr. Berghout Abdelaziz (Professor of Islamic studies and Civilisation)
Dr. Abdelaziz serves as a full professor at Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. In the last 20 years, he has taught many subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels including; Islamic Civilization and History, Introduction to Research Methodology, Research Methodology, The Islamic Worldview, Critical Studies of Philosophy in Islam, Parenting and Family Management, Tawheed and Methods of Human Sciences, Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving, Lessons from Sirah and Islamic History, Methods of Dawâh, Sciences of the Qurân, Introduction to Fiqh, Lessons from the Biography of the Prophet, Man in the Qurâan and Sunnah, Principles of Dealing with Sunnah, Early Development of Islamic Thought, and Issues in Contemporary Islamic Thought. Professor Berghout has extensively contributed through his writings and publications on different areas of interests such as; Islamic theory of civilization, the Islamic worldview, culture, education, social change, Islamic economic theory, strategic planning, quality assurance, internationalization of higher education, civilizational dialogue, globalization, rise and fall of civilization. He has to his credit over 50 articles in national and international journals and 10 books in various areas of expertise. The major books include Prophetic Methodology and Social Change, (Ummah Book Series, No. 43, Qatar, 1995), Foundations of Civilizational Renewal and its Universal Dimensions: A Study on Malik Bennabi’s Thought, Towards an Islamic Theory for Civilizational Development: the Contribution of Said Nursi, Research Centre, (IIUM, 2006), Materialization of the Civilizational Project of Islam in Contemporary World, (Ministry of Religious Affairs, Kuwait, 2007), Introduction to the Islamic Worldview:

Keep Reading Who shall take it ? Return Top
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Who shall take it ?
The program outputs will be valuable reference for those who look for integrating character lessons in their curriculum. The language will be inclusive to make sure anyone who are interested in exploring the converging path of meaning, science, and character development would benefit. The program targets the following audiences:
Scholars/researchers who specialize in science, philosophy, education, and religion
Graduate students who want to study science and philosophy through 5D thinking approach
Undergraduate sophomore who are interested in new perspectives in science and education.
Teachers who want to teach science through the five-dimensional approach
Curriculum developers and educators who want to write books or develop a new curriculum on science, religion, and character development
Keep Reading Tuition and Scholarship
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Tuition and Scholarship
Tuition is $250 per course
Full or partial scholarship is available for anyone who can not afford to pay the tuition as long as they provide the following information :
A brief statement on the financial state of the applicant showing his/her need for scholarship
At least a half-page statement on the expected value and importance of the program for the applicant

Keep Reading College Credits
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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College Credits
Will it count for a college credit ?
Each course will count for 3 college credit for advance undergraduate and master level programs.
However, you shall discuss with your advisor to make sure that it will be counted for your degree since every university has its own policy.
Once you successfully complete both courses, you will be given a certificate along with the transcript.

Keep Reading Textbooks & Reading Materials
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Textbooks & Reading Materials
More Resources
Sample chapter from 5D Thinking Workbook I on Brain and Five Senses (biology)
Sample chapter 5D Thinking Workbook II on the Earth and Five Cycles (earth science)
Sample chapter 5D Thinking Workbook III on the selected topics from physics
Reading Materials from Nursi’s Risale Collection

Keep Reading Course Syllabi
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Course Syllabi
USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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Enrollment Form
Please fill out this form if you are interested in the program.
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USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
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Contact
If you have any question regarding the program, please fill out the form below


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USKUDAR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FALL 2020
October 12 2020
January 15 2021 Deadline: September 30, 2020
EXISTENCE & MEANING:
A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
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INTRODUCTION
The program aims to teach a unique method that enables one to derive certain character lessons from scientific knowledge. It is based on the assumption that ideology-free science and authentic, Divinely-revealed knowledge do not contradict each other, as they both come from the same source. It assumes that the universe is an eloquent book, replete with meaningful signs. It considers pure science to be an excellent way of revealing the Divine signs which make up the book of the universe. However, it claims that most modern scientists do not know how to ‘read’ the book. The program will present the ‘five-dimensional (5D) thinking approach’, inspired by a Muslim Scholar Said Nursi’s mana-i harfi method of reading the book of the universe. Participants will gain a new understanding of scientific knowledge through 5D thinking which comprises: 1) analytical thinking; 2) analogical thinking; 3) critical thinking; 4) meditative thinking; and 5) moral thinking. The 5D thinking approach is expected to function like 5D glasses, showing multiple dimensions of reality and wellbeing.
Keep Reading An Alternative Approach
Analytical Thinking
Analogical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Meditative Thinking
Moral Thinking
Physical Reality
Metaphysical
Reality
Moral Reality
Sensual (bodily) pleasure
Intellectual pleasure
Spiritual & moral pleasure
5DThinking
It is a unique approach to read the universe like an elegant book. It is a new way of understanding science to strengthen your belief and establish sound character.
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