Another argument posits that non-evaluative facts like “it can cause food poisoning” explain fear only because they presuppose a danger assessment. However, in a new study, only a few participants mentioned “danger” when asked why non-evaluative facts give reasons for fear. (4/5)

Some have argued that we commonly explain our fears in terms of danger. However, data from the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) deny this: among 630 instances of “afraid of […] because”, only 12 were followed by “danger” or similar terms. (3/5)

Do we become afraid because we are aware of danger? Or do we become aware of danger because we are afraid? In our new paper, Christine Tappolet and I argue against the reactive view of fear. Summary below: (1/5) philarchive.org/rec/DAZRFF