Frank Furedi

How Fear Works

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In 1997, Frank Furedi published a book called Culture of Fear. It was widely acclaimed as perceptive and prophetic. Now Furedi returns to his original theme, as most of what he predicted has come true. In How Fear Works, Furedi seeks to explain two interrelated themes: why has fear acquired such a morally commanding status in society today and how has the way we fear today changed from the way that it was experienced in the past?
Furedi argues that one of the main drivers of the culture of fear is unravelling of moral authority. Fear appears to provide a provisional solution to moral uncertainty and is for that reason embraced by a variety of interests, parties and individuals. Furedi predicts that until society finds a more positive orientation towards uncertainty the politicisation of fear will flourish.
Society is continually bombarded with the message that the threats it faces are incalculable and cannot be managed or contained. The ascendancy of this outlook has been paralleled by the cultivation of helplessness and passivity — all this has heightened people's sense of powerlessness and anxiety. As a consequence we are constantly searching for new forms of security, both physical and ontological. What are the drivers of fear, what is the role of the media in its promotion, and who actually benefits from this culture of fear? These are some of the issues Furedi tackles to explain the current predicament. He believes that through understanding how fear works, we can encourage attitudes that will help bring about a less fearful future.
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400 printed pages
Publication year
2018
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Quotes

  • Sergei Jdanovhas quoted6 years ago
    Those concerned with the corrosive effects of the politicization of fear need to dig deeper. The political use of fear is sustained in a cultural terrain, where avoiding risk and acting with caution is equated with responsible behaviour. The ascendancy of safety as a stand-alone value that trumps all others is rarely contested. Critics of the politics of fear are often unaware of or ignore the foundation that sustains the object of their hostility.
  • Sergei Jdanovhas quoted6 years ago
    The most effective way of countering the perspective of fear is through acquainting society with values that offer people the meaning and hope they need to effectively engage with uncertainty.
  • Sergei Jdanovhas quoted6 years ago
    The contrast between the values that help direct society towards a confident future and the culture of fear is highlighted in the table below.
    Confidence towards the Future
    Culture of Fear
    Valuation of experimentation
    Valuation of safe space
    Trust in human potential
    Misanthropy
    Courage to judge
    Non-judgementalism
    Prudence
    Safety
    Uncertainty as opportunity
    Uncertainty as a problem
    Openness to risk taking
    Risk aversion
    Probabilistic thinking
    Worst-case thinking
    Human agency
    Deference to Fate
    Moral autonomy
    Vulnerability
    Openness towards the future
    Policing of uncertainty
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