The Abrahamic Family House and the Munich School of Philosophy will organize a two-day conference in Abu Dhabi (UAE) to explore the contributions of the Abrahamic religions to philosophical debates and the reciprocal influence of philosophy on these traditions. Academic scholars and distinguished figures in interfaith dialogue will engage in discussions.

Topic and Aim

Over the centuries, philosophy has made important contributions to the Abrahamic religions. Medieval philosophers such as Avicenna, Averroes, Maimonides, or Thomas Aquinas made extensive use of received Greek philosophy to explain and defend the coherence and rationality of the beliefs of their religious traditions. 

This intensive engagement was not only beneficial to the religious traditions, but also to philosophy. Theological problems within the traditions, conflicts arising from their encounter, and external challenges in the form of cultural and political changes also forced scholars in the Abrahamic religions to develop their received philosophical resources.

The conference aims to explore two interrelated questions:

• What can the Abrahamic religions contribute to contemporary philosophical debates? Are there forgotten philosophical resources to be rediscovered or new developments within Jewish, Christian, or Islamic theology that could help advance contemporary philosophical discussions?
• What can philosophy contribute to solving internal and external challenges facing the Abrahamic traditions? Can philosophy help establish the conditions for meaningful interfaith dialogue? Can it aid in finding common ground for peaceful coexistence? Is an Abrahamic religion without philosophy equipped to resist irrational tendencies and evolve in response to external changes?

 The proceedings of the conference will be published by a world-class academic publisher.

Application

To apply to the conference, please send an abstract (150 words) with a 10-lines bio to patrick.zoll@hfph.de and WGueraiche@Abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae 

by May 9, 2025.

Notification of acceptance/refusal by May 31.

Submission of the contributions for accepted participants: August 24. Young colleagues are encouraged to apply. 

Selection Committee

• Prof. Dr. Patrick Zoll SJ Professor of Metaphysics Munich School of Philosophy
• Dr. William Guéraiche Head of Research and Publication Abrahamic Family House Abu Dhabi (The UAE)