Prof. Dr. Ioanna Kuçuradi passed away

President of the Turkish Philosophical Association and Honorary President of the World Federation of Philosophical Organizations, Prof. Dr. Ioanna Kuçuradi died in the hospital where he was treated on October 2, 2026.

Kuçuradi, who was born in Istanbul on October 4, 1936, died two days before his 90th birthday.

Kuçuradi, who concentrated his studies in philosophy especially on the concepts of ethics, human rights, human value and freedom, pointed out throughout his life that thought should find a response not only in academic circles but also in daily life.

'THOUGHT IS OPPOSED WITH THOUGHT, NOT WITH PUNISHMENT'

One of Kuçuradi's most striking words regarding freedom of thought pointed out what attitude should be taken in the face of different opinions.

Kuçuradi said, “Thoughts are opposed with thoughts, not with punishment,” and emphasized that thoughts should be met with intellectual discussion rather than punishment.

'THERE CAN BE ETHICS WITHOUT LAW, BUT THERE SHOULD NOT BE LAW WITHOUT ETHICS'

One of the main issues that Kuçuradi emphasized was the relationship between law and ethics.

In his interview with the Istanbul Medical Chamber, Kuçuradi stated that law cannot consist only of rules and said, "There can be ethics without law, but there should not be law without ethics."

According to Kuçuradi, the basis of law should be the protection of human rights.

'HUMAN RIGHTS ARE ETHICAL PRINCIPLES'

Kuçuradi, who did not evaluate human rights only through legal regulations, argued that these rights should be a guide in human relations.

He expressed this approach at the Aydın Doğan Award ceremony he received in 2024, saying, "Human rights are not law. Human rights are ethical principles."

'I AM STUBBORNLY HOPE'

Hope also had an important place in Kuçuradi's world of thought.

His words at the award ceremony in 2024, "I am stubbornly hopeful. This is a way of life..." reflected his approach to social problems.

A LIFE DEDICATED TO PHILOSOPHY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Kuçuradi, who graduated from Istanbul University Department of Philosophy in 1959, founded Hacettepe University Department of Philosophy in 1969.

Kuçuradi, who worked as an academician for many years, was deemed worthy of many national and international awards for his work in the field of philosophy and human rights.

He left behind his works, the students he educated, and a legacy of thought that will continue to be referenced in discussions about human dignity.