PRISM :: Browsing by Author "Fisher, Robert M."

Browsing by Author "Fisher, Robert M."

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Open Access
Cultural Theorist Jean Gebser Meets a Fearologist
(In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute : Calgary, AB., 2020-10-17) Fisher, Robert M.
The author, a fearologist, reviews his own engagement with the work of cultural historian and theorist Jean Gebser (1905-1970), and then offers evidence of how important fear (and anxiety) are in the work of Gebser’s epochs of history and development of consciousness in our species. The author suggests that more studies will reveal just how important Gebser’s work is to finding our way today in the midst of the decline of one epoch in transition (‘birth pains’) to become another epoch that finally has the potentially to truly not be motivated by fear as the primary driver.
Open Access
Culture of Fear: A Critical History of Two Streams
(2020-07-18) Fisher, Robert M.
The purpose of this paper is to first track out the original pathways that researchers have taken, including myself, in order to arrive at a conceptual tool like “culture of fear” (as a label) for a much larger phenomenon that had been witnessed. Next, I show how there are at least two streams of thought in how to approach the culture of fear conceptually and theoretically. This mapping of a historical perspective is sorely missing from the literature on culture of fear across the disciplines. It ought to expand the dominant and rather restrictive imaginary of the culture of fear that currently persists. If initiatives that claim we ought to “end the culture of fear” are to be taken seriously, there ought to be a much larger perspective brought to the topic of what is the culture of fear and what ways have we come to understand it in a historical and theoretical sense. Only then, will a critical literacy and larger perspective on the problem of the culture of fear be developed—and, thus, perhaps more effective strategies to “end” or “stop” the culture of fear and its insidious effects will be possible and realistic.
Open Access
Drawing Out Fear and Terror: The Principles of Art Therapy in Personal Transformation
(1990-01-10) Fisher, Robert M.
This brief and introductory paper is not intended to deal with the complexities, details, and technicalities of the field of art therapy and personal transformation. More in-depth articles are available from other sources, including other articles I have written. Rather, I will give the reader an overall feel of what I have come to call the essence and principles of art therapy and its facilitation of personal transformation. The focus of my discussion will be on how the drawing out of fear and terror can have a healing effect.
Open Access
Fear is no longer just a factor: Fearism as a new force-field vector in social science research
(2020-06-13) Fisher, Robert M.
There’s something gone stale with the common rhetoric around our species’ understanding of fear (and ‘fear’). We require a 21st-century radical up-grade of our critical literacy and fear management capacities on this domain of existence. A fresh idea about fear(ism) or fearism that emerged in the early 1990s (Fisher) and late 1990s (Subba) is pushing researchers to revision their ways of seeing how fear is not merely a factor in human affairs—rather, it is a potent means for sociological measure and typologies for human behavior. Fear is now, in the form of fearism, a force-field vector, which is beginning to be used in some latest innovative social research. This raises the bar in the evolutionary development of methodologies of knowledge. Fearism, with this new application, and further transdisciplinary applications ought to carry the world into a better understanding of the phenomenon of fear(ism). The purpose of such improvement in our critical literacy is to emancipate ourselves from the excessive domination of a culture of fear based in toxic fearism (or, what the author recently calls fearism-t).
Open Access
The Fear Problem in Many Guises
(2020-09-25) Fisher, Robert M.
The author reviews issues of the day that are part of a global crisis in relationship to fear. Then he distinguishes those fear problems from his own theorizing after 31 years of study and publishing on fear, what he means by the “Fear Problem.” Only when theoreticians, the professionals and the public make important distinctions in their discourses on fear will they come to more effective solutions to the Fear Problem.
Open Access
Fear Problematique: Philosophical Disability in an Age of Collapse
(In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute : Calgary, AB., 2021-01-25) Fisher, Robert M.
Philosophy is a sick enterprise—disabled and won’t admit it. The author, in a long pursuit of developing a Fearlessness Philosophy, takes another approach in parallel here in his critique of “Philosophy” itself as a conceptualization and in particular as a discipline and methodology of knowledge. He primarily takes a Freudian critique of Civilization and Maslowian critique of Science, then his own version of that critique and applies it to Psychology, and then finally to Philosophy. This large project, in progress, is to assert that Philosophy has not yet broken free of the bondage and carnage of its legacy as a phenomenon of philosophical disability. He argues, this is the case because it has not understood the Fear Problematique and ‘Fear’ Matrix that all philosophy has been virtually embedded in without admitting it has been. That fear-based denial is its main disability. He offers briefly his approach to re-awakening to this disability in philosophy and ways to turn a corner and adopt and develop a Fearlessness Philosophy.
Open Access
Fearism Concept in Educational Literature: A Review, A New Model
(2020-06-15) Fisher, Robert M.
A seasoned educator (curriculum theorist) and researcher, the author picks-up on the recent innovative gains made in the social sciences with the valid use of “fearism” as a concept for analysis, with the latest version being the use of fearism as a force-field vector on a quadrant mapping of social reality. This paper has three main purposes: (a) to review the citing of “fearism” in the Education literature per se and a critical evaluation of its rare use to date (b) to make suggestions of why this paucity of use by educators and, (c) to offer a more matured version of the placing of fearism as a force-field vector on a quadrant mapping that produces a ‘ring’ formation which includes a heretofore missing developmental and emancipatory trajectory within such analyses without reinforcing unnecessary moralism (e.g. virtues signaling) within such research approaches.
Open Access
Fearlessness in the "Reorientation" of W. European Social Thought, 1890-1930
(In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute : Calgary, AB., 2021-02-01) Fisher, Robert M.
As part of an ongoing unveiling of the hidden layer of the spirit of fearlessness in historical movements overall, this paper presents evidence of the emergence of fearlessness thinking and its concomitant liberating social theories during what Hughes (1958/77) calls the “Reorientation” in W. European social thought, 1890-1930.
Open Access
History of Fearlessness: Interpreting the World Through a Conspiracy Theory
(In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute, 2020-10-12) Fisher, Robert M.
This paper enquires into an explanation (theory) for why the history of fearlessness has not had any uptake in a significant way in human history. The author, one of the foremost thinkers and developers of a history of fearlessness, suggests that it may be significant that the history of fearlessness has always been embedded in a, more or less, implicit conspiracy theory approach, and that has led to a generic off-putting reaction from academics and others, in that they have not taken seriously the phenomena of fearlessness itself and its pivotal shaping of human history. The future of reclaiming this invisible and suppressed history of fearlessness is dependent on better understanding how it is related to conspiracy theory based on the theory of the ‘Fear’ Project and/or ‘Fear’ Matrix.
Open Access
How to Best Define 'the Enemy': Tips for Marianne Williamson & Other Emancipatory Leaders
(2020-10-05) Fisher, Robert M.
As part of an ongoing series of papers, blogs, and a new book on the intellectual and social leadership of Marianne Williamson (1952-), this technical paper 113 explores the problem of defining ‘the enemy’ as a sub-set of the problem of analyzing the Fear Problem overall, and the problem of making decisions in all arenas of life (especially the political) in regard to what constitutes an enemy and how to best manage and transform that “wicked problem.” Drawing on various sources of higher consciousness development, Williamson has proven to be a fierce leader for what she calls a New Enlightenment in societies (especially America), however she has also drawn criticism for not always living up to or articulating congruency in her public performances as a political leader and activist. The author provides some tips for her and others who are leading today in such a divisive and challenging public sphere—where ‘enemies’ are everywhere. Arguably, her sought for “new paradigm” for the 21st-century is progressive but not progressive enough, according to the fearanalysis provided by the author. Defining ‘the enemy’ needs to be done with more focus, nuance, theory, and compassion, than Williamson typically offers.
Open Access
In Search of Fearlessness Project: Some Original Documents 1989-90
(1990-01-10) Fisher, Robert M.
The following documents of brochures indicated the first conceptualizations of the ISOF Project as conceived by co-founders Robert M. Fisher & Catherine Sannuto, Calgary, AB, Canada. The first document lists the publications (etc.) of Robert & Catherine of which from 3. onward are written by Robert and edited by Catherine and, the second document is the one of the early drafts of a general brochure, written by Robert and Catherine and laid out in design by Larry Sannuto.
Open Access
Inside the In Search of Fearlessness Society of Alberta, 1995-99
(2020-04-02) Fisher, Robert M.
The author, co-founder of In Search of Fearlessness (ISOF) Project, and following that Director of the In Search of Fearlessness Centre and Research Institute, provides an archival documentation summary of some of the dynamics inside the formation of the In Search of Fearlessness Society of Alberta during a crucial transition in 1995 that eventually led to some growth, but a slow deterioration of political-power dynamics in the Society and a rift that tore the organization apart. Of specially interest, is the authors views of Education in the ISOF Society and his future visioning of what would happening in the wide world in the next 20 years and how ISOF Society could respond to it. At this juncture of coronavirus pandemic in Spring of 2020, there are important parallels in the author's 1990's vision and in the times we are in.
Open Access
Interpreting the Marianne Williamson Presidential Phenomenon: "Flakey" Problem
(2021-01-21) Fisher, Robert M.
With the recent publication by Fisher (2020) of The Marianne Williamson Presidential Phenomenon: Cultural (R)Evolution in a Dangerous Time, the author has noticed patterns of critiques against Williamson and her work, of which are often exaggeratedly mis-placed, stereotypic, and dismissive. In this paper he argues there are more important lessons to learn from her work in order to undermine the critics’ formation of ‘the Other’ in regard to who she is and what she has to offer democracy today and in the future. The labelling of “flakey” is one such criticism that negatively circulates and persists. The author gives examples of this criticism and analyzes how it is oppressive in itself, that is, if there isn’t more than just that label being applied. He also shows how Williamson has responded to this criticism (the author calls, a form of intellectual supremacy) and in some ways she has fed into it. If we want to improve how we relate to each other as all having something to offer to the political sphere, while remaining critical in a healthy civil sense, this paper will demonstrate how to re-vise such labelling and its un-useful results.
Open Access
Marianne Williamson's Dubious 'Be Courageous' Prescriptions Need a 21st Century Upgrade
(2020-09-28) Fisher, Robert M.
After decades of following the potent leadership capabilities of Marianne Williamson, and especially her last few years centralizing her activities within the active political leadership races in the U.S.A., the author concludes it is critical to evaluate all her spiritual and political prescriptions for a ‘better life’ and ‘better America’ a ‘healed life’ and ‘healed America’ via a critical assessment of her uses of the term “courageous” of which is directly related to her uses of the term fear and fear management. This introductory critique raises questions regarding contradictions in her claims and dubious prescriptions about courageousness and her vision of a 21st century politics and “New Enlightenment” for American society.
Open Access
Marianne Williamson's Educational Mission: Curriculum for Ending Suffering
(2020-09-18) Fisher, Robert M.
The following non-fiction fiction dialogue with Marianne Williamson and the author is an exploration of some of Williamson’s treasured notions of what a good quality education should be. The author believes that it is important to understand the mission of Marianne Williamson’s spiritual and political activism through the lens of her work as an adult educator and emancipatory leader in the broadest sense. She offers an important, often unnoticed, voice today in the field of Education.
Open Access
Marianne Williamson's New Era Education Agenda in a Highly Charged Political World
(In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute : Calgary, AB., 2021-02-08) Fisher, Robert M.
Marianne Williamson has long been on an educational and political path to heal and transform the legacy of predatory capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism and other forms of oppression. Her running for the leader of the Democratic National Party in 2020, and stepping up as a woman leader to be a potential President of the United States in a highly charged polarizing political climate has made her an international figure to be taken seriously. In particular, from all of her political policies presented, and her earlier publishing, this paper looks at her transformative vision, thinking and actions as a nascent but substantial educational philosophy for the 21st century—which, the author calls Williamson’s “new era education.” Several examples of her promotion of new “educations” for a dangerous world are presented as a scaffolding to future research and development of a Williamsonian (like a Deweyian) Education for children and adults.
Open Access
Otto Rank's "Artist-type" as Environmentalist and Midwife of the Soul
(1990-02) Fisher, Robert M.
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Open Access
Review of "Immortality Project" Concept: Mis-interpretation in Terror Management Theory
(2020-09-06) Fisher, Robert M.
The author’s long quest for a full depth and breadth study of the psychology of fear/terror is one that is not easy to attain; and thus, it will be in progress for some time to come to fruition. The work by Ernest Becker, terror management theorists and others herein, is a beginning probe into the Immortality Project (psychology) that he believes is one important pathway to a psychology of the soul. The paper includes a basic review of the Immortality Project conception and its importance which includes the less familiar writing of Ken Wilber and his philosophical and theoretical views of Immortality Project as particularly a useful direction to go to improve upon Becker’s views.
Open Access
Samuel N. Gillian's Beckerian Educational Philosophy of Fear/Terror
(2020-07-08) Fisher, Robert M.
The author, who had been corresponding with Sam Gillian (2004-05), an important radical educator for our times, suggests it is time to re-evaluate Gillian’s offerings of a philosophy of fear/terror, which is primarily based on the work of Ernest Becker. The paper gives a brief biography and concentrates on the relevance of Gillian’s critical pedagogy, which is so far virtually unknown in the field of Education, especially in academia.
Open Access
Teaching as a Fear Vaccine: Response-ability in Pandemics
(2020-10-26) Fisher, Robert M.
The author offers both theoretical and practical ideas for those on the front-lines of Education today—and, generally teaching and learning in crisis. At the age of 68, he brings a maturity to the discussions of what is happening in school systems. He taught in public schools in his youth and has three degrees in the field of Education. He is currently an education consultant in private practice, and long-time Founder-Director of the In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute. He offers 30+ years of specialized study on fear management/education (FME) and 15 additional years teaching children and mostly parents and adults on the topic of how to best be response-able (e.g., resilient, effective, trauma-informed) for front-line school teachers who are currently trying to negotiate the ‘crazy’ atmosphere of teaching in the situation of a severe pandemic (e.g., COVID-19). He suggests teaching itself has to undergo a transformation in its ‘identity’ and structures, of which he focuses on the transformation by which teachers see themselves, and actualize, they are a fear vaccine of another kind. Children and youth really need that kind of care today. Teachers need support to be so response-able under these deep-stressor conditions, where fear itself can too easily take-off and become the ruling organizational principle. His approach brings a rejuvenating fearlessness paradigm to our times and ways of teaching.