Foundations of a personal worldview
World view is the fundamental cognitive orientation of a society or an individual involving natural philosophy, normative assumptions, existential values, themes, ethics and emotions (Stark, 2004). World view can also be used to refer to the outline of notions and beliefs which individuals’ follows while interacting and trying to understand the world better.
Personal world view affects the way people perceive and interacts with the inner realm and the external world. World view is the dynamic that makes individuals to construct particular beliefs originating from their own experiences and belief system (Boylan, 2004).
Beliefs are fundamental foundations of personal world view. All individuals have philosophies that shape their beliefs and opinions about life. The beliefs and opinions that individuals hold play a key role in determining how they understand and perceive the surrounding world. Indeed, they impact on the manner in which individuals integrate and categorize world view experiences.
For instance, people who ascribe to some religious beliefs will always have a personal philosophy that that originates from the religious beliefs, and they struggle to maintain their philosophical notions in line with their religious beliefs.
An observance to something that exists in many different forms (existentialist) usually forms a worldview that is different from other philosophies in its undertakings with people and thoughts (Stark, 2004).
The existentialist holds the notion that any meaning in their life cannot be found without, but somewhat shaped from within. Devotion to this philosophy will shape a worldview that is relative in its observation on life. Truth is subjective meaning that what is true to one person may not be true to another person. No philosophy or religion imposes matters such as good and evil, they are personally contracted.
Existentialist will hardly support organized religions or any notion that holds beliefs such as stating that they have a meaning of life. In view of that, the existentialist’s life experiences are sorted out in a particular manner and their interaction with the world surrounding them is particularly affected by an observance to such a philosophical principle.
Religious ideas and doctrine can provide people with views that go beyond personal character, and personal views often fit into a broader picture. For example, individuals who subscribes to Christianity will most likely embrace a worldview that champions the story of Jesus as a critical requirement for their life’s experiences (Stark, 2004).
World view can also be shaped by the experiences that people have in their lives. The experiences that individuals go through in their lives may translate into a world view in various ways. The occurrence of something happening many times leads individuals to expectations that if they do something, it will always follow a certain pattern that they have observed repeatedly. This expectation shapes the way people understands and interacts with the world and hence form part of their personal world view (Stark, 2004).
My personal worldview statement
I hold the position that nature is a manifestation that I regard, the place I act in, and the possibilities and materials I can make use of. As such, I belief that whatever else other people say- they are compelled to act in that manner as if they believed exactly that. Generally, I do not believe that life or the world has any implication, but many things in nature may have some meaning; and any life may produce its own rationale.
Although I believe and know that I cannot live forever, I believe that I can experience immortal things. I believe that if something has no side effects, then it can be done en masse without hurting others. I usually prefer people to co-exist without war because I fear that war may disrupt peace and the wealth that has already been accumulated-yet it is the source of happiness to the mankind (Boylan, 2004).
Although I doubt the truth about God and religions in general, I somewhat react positively towards their practices and beliefs. It is my belief that religion has potential to prove its usefulness. I find some religious teachings good for the wellbeing of the mankind, and in that respect, I find Christianity teachings on love and compassion worthy for a better living.
There are also a number of teachings from different religious beliefs that helps me have a better understanding of morality, which in turn helps me develop better personal values. I find Christianity teaching on love and peace worth to the mankind, and as such, I ascribe to the principle that individuals should not do to others what they may not want others to do to them (Boylan, 2004).
How my personal worldview influence my decision making process
My decision making process is often influenced by my personal world view position in regard to a certain situation. Before I take a particular action, I consider the effects of my actions to the outer world, and the way it will affect my interaction with others. In that respect, I ensure that what I do to others is precisely what I would wish them to do to me. In addition, results of my actions acts as a guideline on my decision making process.
If I feel that what I does can improve the wellbeing of the mankind, I do not hesitate to do it. For, example, I find any action that contributes towards peace and happiness as irresistible and worth doing. Having gone through some experience of some sort, I find it easy to decide in subsequent times.
In other words, words view formed as a result of my past experiences shapes my decision making. If I had done something which according to my conviction and experience was right, I always find myself deciding on the same ground in future (Boylan, 2004).
Above all, believe in spirituality without subscribing to particular religious principles. I believe in understanding my destiny and my own spiritual nature without being influenced by any force that comes without (Cathcart and Klein, 2007).
My experience of feeling shame or guilt whenever I do something wrong guides my consciousness of moral wrong or right. I believe that “truth is within the eyes of the beholder” (Nash, 1999, p.16) meaning that each person has his or her own version of truth.
What I believe is true might not be true for another person. That is the reason why I believe that all people should be given freedom and respect to practice their own religion. As such, anything is “true if you believe it and that goes for anything, right” (Nash, 1999, p.56).
References
Boylan, M. (2004). A Just Society. London: Roman &Littlefield
Cathcart, T., & Klein, D. (2007). Plato and a platypus walk into a bar: Understanding philosophy through jokes. New York: Penguin Group, Inc.
Nash, R. (1999). Ultimate Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy. New York: Bantam Books.
Stark, J. (2004). Rebuild your worldview to be healthy. New York: Trafford Publishing