Hermitix Climate Apocalypticism In and Against the World with Jakub Kowalewski
Oct 15, 2025
Jakub Kowalewski, a philosopher and author known for his work on eco-apocalypticism, shares intriguing insights about climate-related fears. He delves into the multiple meanings of apocalypse, reflecting on its historical persistence. Kowalewski outlines three responses to climate apocalypticism, examines secular and religious parallels, and discusses how failed prophecies can resurface. He challenges the idea of systemic change versus capitalism and explores the role of ideology in our apocalyptic narratives, urging a rethinking of meaning and action.
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Apocalypse As A Productive Lens
- Apocalyptic thinking arose as a practical research lens for Jakub Kowalewski to connect diverse texts and traditions.
- He found apocalypse recurs across philosophy as a productive theme, not just literal end-time belief.
Apocalypse Resists One Definition
- Kowalewski resists a single definition of apocalypse and highlights its many forms and family resemblances.
- He argues defining apocalypse is futile; better to explain why it supports many interpretations.
Apocalypse Functions Like Ideology
- Kowalewski deploys Althusser: apocalypticism functions like ideology mediating subject and world.
- As ideology, apocalypticism paradoxically helps reproduce society by spotlighting threats and prompting corrective action.
