We discussed worldview in my Politics and Religion class today. Here are a few points we covered:
Worldview: (from German weltanschauung) a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world especially from a specific standpoint (from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary).
- Everyone has a worldview, whether we are aware of it or not.
“Often, worldviews operate at an unconscious level, so that we are not even aware that other ways of seeing the world are either possible or legitimate. Like the air we breathe, worldviews are a vital part of who we are but nota part we usually think much about” (B. J. Hall, Among Cultures, 29.)"
- A worldview is comprehensive, usually touching on views about theology, philosophy, ethics, biology, psychology, sociology, politics, law, economics, and history. These disciplines of thought are integrated in a worldview, building upon and affecting each other.
- Our worldview affects our behavior.
- We initially gain our worldview from the cultures and teachings of our families, communities, and religions.
- Worldviews include the beliefs that are most deeply held and felt. Therefore, it is often difficult to discuss issues related to worldview.