Why Humans Experience Fear

Why do humans experience fear? It is not fully understood but the answer lies in the brain. Our body reacts to certain sensory stimuli by triggering the fight-or-flight response. These changes include increased breathing, heart rate, and peripheral blood vessel constriction (blood pools). In addition, we develop increased muscle tension and goosebumps. We also become alert. These physiological changes are a direct result of fear.

Moreover, fear is not defined by sensory specifics such as an eliciting stimulus or the physical action generated by the animal. Instead, it is a situated function, a goal and a set of action that we interpret as dangerous or undesirable. These are our priors. These priors are the guiding principles of our emotional responses. Therefore, we can understand the genesis and evolution of fear by studying our reactions to these conditions.

Our brain sends signals to our nervous system, which causes our body to react. In turn, our body responds by causing physiological reactions such as increased heart rate, faster breathing, and an increase in blood pressure. Our blood is pumped to various muscle groups and the skin sweats to keep the body cool. We may feel physical sensations in our chest, stomach, hands, and legs when we are afraid. Some people experience these sensations as mild or severe.