2026-04-17
Debate: “Are We Free?”
On April 16, 2026, a philosophical debate titled “Are We Free?” was organized by the students of the Department of Philosophy in Room 210 of the Faculty of Humanities at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.
This discussion featured two teams, each comprising one student from each of the for year groups. The team consisting of Abay Asanbekov, Aysezim Marlen Kyzy, Aiturgan Ezenova and Aidana Shaimerdenova argued for the position that “Human being are free”. Conversely, the team og Kyzzhibek Makeeva, Aibiyke Berdibekova, Makhfuza Kudayberdieva and Eliza Toktogulova defended the view that “Human beings are not free”.
The event was moderated by fourth-year student Allaberdi Baratahunov. The judging panel included Professor Zhyldyz Urmanbetova, Associate Professor Kishimjan Eshenkulova (Phd), Dr. Abdirashit Babataev, and fourth-year student Ayjamal Shailoobekova.
The debate was highly engaging, with bath sides defending their positions with strong conviction. As it was difficult to determine a single winner due to the high quality of the arguments, the event concluded in a friendly draw. Our teacher and students actively participated, sharing valuable insights into the philosophical meaning of freedom, individual agency, and responsibility. The initiative provided an excellent opportunity to enhance critical thinking skills and encourage students to articulate their views logically. Participants expressed a keen interest in organizing more of such philosophical discussions in the future
