The Moral Psychology of Fear

Contemporary philosophers from diverse philosophical perspectives and backgrounds address the moral psychology of fear within complex social life, where individuals and communities respond to some of the greatest threats of our time.

The Moral Psychology of Fear brings together contemporary philosophers to consider how fear can shape or compromise moral motivation, and in particular the ways in which fear might motivate morally and politically troubling actions for individuals and communities. While the topics addressed by the chapters vary widely, the contributors share a commitment to analyzing the moral significance of fear for motivation, action, and responsibility in novel and creative ways.

Edited by Ami Harbin, the volume is divided into four parts: In Part I, authors lay the groundwork for new philosophical analyses of fear by establishing some theoretical considerations about the connection of fear to injustice and the scope of what kinds of experiences count as fear. Part II turns to everyday experiences of fear—like fear of missing out and fear of one’s own death—that can have surprising moral implications. Part III delves into the way fears have been present in contexts of climate and public health crisis. Part IV offers reflections on the complex position of fear in some of the most charged political issues facing communities: migration, political polarization, violence, and oppressive ideologies more broadly.