The End of the World: Narratives and Interpretations

This lecture explores various narratives and interpretations related to the end of the world, from religious eschatologies to modern scientific and fictional scenarios. It delves into the distinction between different forms of apocalyptic endings, the intertwining of theological and political discourses, and the evolution of beliefs over time. The lecture also discusses the impact of literature, arts, and science fiction on shaping contemporary views on catastrophic events, highlighting themes such as the threat of nuclear war, ecological disasters, and the role of artificial intelligence. Through historical and cultural examples, it examines how societies have grappled with the concept of the end times and the human fascination with apocalyptic scenarios.