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Fear, Fanaticism, and Fragile Identities
1Department of Philosophy, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Ethics
|May 14, 2023
Summary
Fanaticism stems from perceived threats to identity and sacred values, leading to hostility towards outsiders, group members, and oneself. This hostility is fueled by fears of the outgroup, internal dissent, and personal flaws, as well as an anxiety of uncertainty.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Social Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Fanaticism is characterized by devotion to a sacred value and hostility towards dissenters.
- This hostility manifests as outgroup, ingroup, and self-hostility.
- Perceived identity threats are central to understanding fanaticism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To philosophically analyze the role of perceived identity threats in fanaticism.
- To define fanaticism and its associated hostile antagonisms.
- To explore the fears underlying fanaticism.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of fanaticism.
- Conceptual definition of fanaticism and its manifestations.
- Examination of the psychological underpinnings of fanaticism.
Main Results:
- Fanaticism defined as devotion to a sacred value, demanding recognition and antagonizing dissenters.
- Hostility takes threefold form: outgroup, ingroup, and self-hostility.
- These hostilities correspond to fears of outgroups, renegades, and self-aspects, all perceived as identity threats.
Conclusions:
- Fanaticism is rooted in perceived threats to sacred values and identity.
- Fear of uncertainty may also contribute to fanaticism.
- Understanding these fears is key to addressing fanaticism.
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