Topic:
The Philosophy of Fear.
Chairperson:
Mary Kennedy
Moderator:
Spencer Sinclare
Meetup Date:
Wednesday, August 20th. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a 15 minute break at 8:00 p.m.
Meetup Location:
Upstairs at The Bent Mast, 512 Simcoe St. Victoria, BC, V8V 1L8
Members:
If you plan to attend, please take a moment and RSVP. If your plans change and you cannot attend, to the right of your name there are three dots. Please click on them and move yourself to "Not Going."
Thank you :)
Quotes:
“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”.
~ Salvador Dali
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
~ Frank Herbert
Synopsis:
The philosophy of fear explores the nature of fear as an emotion, its role in individual lives and society, and how it can be understood and managed. Philosophers have examined fear’s biological, psychological, and social dimensions, considering its impact on ethics, politics, and personal well-being.
Key Aspects of the Philosophy of Fear
Nature of Fear:
Philosophers analyze fear as a fundamental human emotion with both biological and social components. It’s linked to the body’s “fight or flight” response and shaped by individual experiences and social norms.
Fear in Ethics and Politics:
Fear has been a subject of interest in ethical and political philosophy. For example, philosophers like Machiavelli and Hobbes explored the role of fear in maintaining social order and governance. The concept of a “risk society,” where fear of potential dangers permeates daily life, has also been a topic of discussion.
Fear and Society:
Fear can be a powerful tool used to manipulate and control populations, as seen in the “War on Terror” or the use of surveillance technologies. Conversely, fear can also erode social trust and undermine community bonds.
Managing Fear:
Philosophical perspectives offer various approaches to understanding and managing fear. Stoic philosophy, for example, emphasizes focusing on what is within one’s control and accepting what is not, a principle that can be applied to managing fear. Nietzsche’s philosophy of amor fati encourages embracing all aspects of life, including setbacks, which can help overcome the fear of failure.
Fear as an Illusion:
Some philosophical viewpoints suggest that fear is often a product of our own perceptions and judgments rather than an inherent property of external events. By understanding that fear originates in our minds, we can begin to disarm it
Watch:
4 Ways to Overcome Your Fears ~ Friedrich Nietzsche: https://youtu.be/ngh8jHqOB5c?si=2UuzOcRSEFOxqgM5
Philosophy – Neuroscience and Philosophy 5 The Basis of Fear: https://youtu.be/sG-ZuVurbjs?si=hAnScnJOoVbTVoDe
