I have for nearly three decades imagined and dreamed with great desire to have an official journal of fearology. I think this is possible someday. However, there are some steps that have to be undergone for this dream to become reality. I thought I would outline some of the steps required here to begin to activate the thinking of those who might be interested in both the advancement of fearology as an academic and professional discipline, and advancement of an international journal where fearologists could publish their research and other work related. Contact me for more info. r.michaelfisher52 [at] gmail.com
Why Do We Need Fearology and Fearologists?
This is a very in depth topic I have written about, off and on, since 1989. To be brief here, suffice it to say there is currently no discipline or profession that specializes in fear (like fearology) and equally there is therefore, no body of fearologists to critique and improve the way fear is studied, written about, taught, and managed by all others, be they "experts" or "amateurs" on fear or self-identified as "fearologists" on their own accord. What the world really needs today is an improved and systematic study of fear (like fearology) [1]. Creation of a professionally trained body of fearologists goes far beyond the loose nature of individuals who are self-identified as "fearologists." This systematization and professionalization will create a more respectable field of fearology for the future. We who study fear seriously ought to be recognized by society in general as equally valid and credible as any other profession say like psychology or anthropology, etc. This recognition will increase our active service and remuneration for our services.
STEPS to FEAROLOGY as an academic/professional discipline:
1. the gathering of a dedicated group of people serious to associate as colleagues and to advance FEAROLOGY in the world (we ought to start a Forum on the FM ning for this purpose)
2. of a basic general definition of FEAROLOGY (I have offered this in my publications but it is still open for feedback and changes)-- one version is as follows:
fearology- the study of the nature and relationship of fear with all processess and things (living and/or non-living, visible and/or non-visible)
3. training of fearologists under the mentorship of R. Michael Fisher, Ph.D., who after 28 yrs. dedication to fearology is inviting others to participate
4. curriculum for the academic/professional disciplined advancement of fearology world-wide
5. creation of an Association of Fearologists, and a professional code of ethics and rules for members (i.e., fearologists)
6. a professional "exam" which if passed, gives the new fearologist credibility and makes them responsible to the association of professional fearologists
7. an academic and professional journal published 4 times/yr (e.g., International Journal of Fearology)
8. a yearly academic and professional conference on theory and practice of fearology
9. a university degree program in fearology
Note: all of the above academic, professional, and systematic development of fearology and creation of competent fearologists in no way ought to interfere with or demean anyone else attempting to study fear and promote better relationships to fear and each other on this planet. However, it is the academic and/or professional fearologist who must take responsibility that all knowledge, knowing and understanding of fear (via research, writing, teaching and management advice) is continually put under quality control scrutiny and critical challenge.
END NOTES
1. Philosophy of fearism initiated by Desh Subba 1999, is one way to approach this same goal, yet it is more generic; whereas fearology is a speciality pillar of fearism, see Fisher, R. M., and Subba, D. (2016). Philosophy of fearism: A First East-West dialogue. Australia: Xlibris.
Comments
Having just returned from a traditional Cree Sun Dance where a number of invited non-Indian participants from around the world engaged in the ceremonies on many levels. Witnessing the Spiritual Magic and how it responded to the kind of profound trusting in the face of difficult situations the Native People demonstrated brought so many others from fear through courage to fearlessness and words cannot describe the transformations. All this is to say that, albeit making such subjects "academic" has its risks, it is past time that academics at long last follow Dr. Fisher's lead. Perhaps future leaders in many fields will move from the general Western philosophy that says fearlessness is foolishness (I even just heard the great Arundhati Roy interview on DemocracyNow (author of Ministry of Happiness) say this. Thank you Michael for your important work.
I'm looking forward to when Fearology is a required course for a psychology degree! and an international journal would be a great start in that direction. I would support it. FYI Michael, I posted this blog on my facebook, calling you the worlds first and foremost....
In Spirit
Jan <3
Dear Michael !
International Journal of Fearologist is very useful journal of fear/fearism/ researcher/thesis writers. It is my pleasure that you joint me. I try to do some post.
Kalu,
I am intrigued by this statement. What exactly do you mean by "our" (who are you referring to)?
And, what exactly does "lay off our arguments" mean?
And, what is your definition of "thesis" that you want to "bring in" (and where do you mean this is to happen)?
I am someone who likes care-full-ness in use of words and language so communication is as clear as possible. Thanks.
Kalu,
The International Journal of Fearology is in its conception stage as imaginary, and will require much effort to make a reality. It takes a global village to raise this journal to be a reality and sustainable and healthy. If we don't take time to do it right and are hasty and do it 1/2 right, then it will quickly lose credibility. I have attempted many such types of publishing projects for over 30 years and they typically fall short and fade away because there is not enough interest and funding. The IJF requires 'backers' and participants to publish in it and read it; three groups of peoples with different roles to play. Fearology, unfortunately, is still limited in growth by the very small handful of us who care about it. So, we can move forward by promoting its value and doing good research, practice and acting as professional models for others to see our value and thus the value of the fearologiclal perspective and approach. This very same thing is also the case with the growth of philosophy of fearism.
Oh, now, I just thought there is another way for you and others to publish on the topic of fearology or related issues re: fear and fearlessness. You could submit a manuscript for a Technical Paper to be published by the In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute. You can submit using the same format more or less that I use in publishing Technical Papers (which are now available easily to follow). Okay, that's another option. And, of course, you can always try to publish in other academic, professional and populist newsletters, magazines (e.g., e-zines). I'd be glad to edit any papers you are trying to publish, if you want my feedback.