fear - what makes it?

What do you think fear is? How is it created? Why do we fear?
What are the elements and principles that cause this feeling?

Fear is basically a psychological, emotional response to a threatening stimuli and is a survival mechanism.

Yes I agree, it is a conditionally learnt response to past stimuli.

I agree with Decius, but I had a different theory. My theory was that people fear because they don't want to be hurt. They fear love because they don't want to get hurt or hurt someone else. People fear the unknown because they don't know how they will be affected by it. They fear the dark because of the things that go bump in the night, which could possibly hurt them. Fear is created by the defense of not wanting to be hurt physically, emotionally, and mentally. It just makes sense to me.

As others said, fear is a defense mechanism that is based on past stimuli. To overcome fear, it is important to remember to control our emotions instead of letting our emotions control us. The way to do this is when you feel fear, remember to calm down, take a deep breath, and think rationally about the situation or find a way to distract your mind from the source of the fear. It takes practice, but I believe anyone can overcome their fears if they are willing to try.

Fear is the Flight part of "Fight or Flight" response.

Actually I would say fight or flight is only a small part of the mechanism involved with fear. And wouldn't you say that it is only the flight part that would be associated with the fear and the fight response would mean you have overcome the fear?

Sorceress, you are so correct, even in the fight mode there is fear, especially if it is a fight for life and death.
Maybe fear is a the results of evolution, when we are in the fear mode, our heart rate increases, adrenline increases, veins narrow (to slow blood loss) and provide more oxgen to the brain.
Is it possible that fear is related to our concern about a future event or thoughts of harm?
For example; fear of heights=possible harm from falling.

Fear is an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.

fear is all of the above, especially mudd's theory, plus 'lack of confidence.'
when a person is confident that they can handle any situation that may arise, fear doesnt seem to rear it's ugly head....at least as much.