Philosophical apocalypticism: an itinerary between Judaism and Islam

Abstract

This paper explores the philosophical dimension of apocalypticism in Judaism and Islam, analyzing how eschatological narratives shape contemporary ideological conflicts. By examining key theological and philosophical interpretations, the study highlights the dynamic interplay between religious texts and historical events, emphasizing the malleability of apocalyptic thought. Through a comparative approach, the research deconstructs the notion of a “war of religions” and instead frames the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a “war of ideas,” where religious concepts are weaponized for political and social ends. The final section proposes a “philosophical de-escalation” as a strategy for fostering dialogue and mitigating extremist interpretations.