It is only the assumption of a worldview that allows us to think at all. Whenever any of us thinks about anything we are operating under a certain framework. That framework is our worldview. We show our particular worldview by our words and actions which might tell a different story from what we think our worldview is.
Our worldview can be expressed in a set of presuppositions; such presuppositions are my assumptions, which may be true, partially true or entirely false.
There are of course, a way things are, but we are often mistaken about the way things are. People disagree on what is true; some assume one thing, others assume another. One might not be aware of one’s commitment to some basic presuppositions and these presuppositions can be hold inconsistently.
Does everyone have a worldview?
A worldview is an achievement which can be distinguished from a worldvision with which we all begin life with.
A worldvision is a set of intuitions about the world formed in all individuals by their family and home environment their teachers and education, and the broad culture within which they live. It is also bound to the idiosyncrasies of an individual person’s temperament. That particular combination provides a workable(but limited) frame of reference with which to live from day to day. In the same sense, it is possible to spend an entire life navigating the streets of a city only in a first-person perspective, never seeing a map of the city (and all that is beyond it) or climbing a skyscraper in order to move from the limitations of your individual vision of each street to a larger view of the whole city.
Worldview relates to worldvision in that sense. It elevates the limitations of first-person vision to the breadth of bird’s-eye view. An individual vision within the world is a necessary starting point, certainly, but it should not be confused with an extensive view of the world.
How does one develop a worldview?
It is a lifelong journey that involves a variety of factors. A healthy worldview is one that is constantly questioned and revised as one’s understanding of reality evolves.
The following steps could be taken in consideration.
_Question your assumptions: Identify the beliefs and assumptions that underlie your worldview and question them. Examine your core values, beliefs and motivations. Reflect on experiences that have profoundly shaped you. This can help you identify any biases or prejudices that may be limiting your perspective.
_Question and learn: Be curious and have a willingness to challenge assumptions.
Think about purpose. “Why am I here?” or “What gives life meaning?”
Dive into philosophical texts and thinkers to challenge your thought processes and refine your understanding of concepts like morality, truth, and existence.
_Explore other perspectives: Expose yourself to different cultures, philosophies and ideas. Look at different existing worldviews like Deism, Naturalism, Nihilism, Existentialism, Postmodernism, etc.
Are they acceptable to you, if not, why not?
_Cultivate critical thinking: Explore writings from different cultures, disciplines, and ideologies. Whether it’s philosophy, science or art, varied perspectives can reveal hidden biases or overlooked truths.
Conversations that challenge your perspectives help refine your thinking and reveal areas that need deeper exploration; specially with people whose experiences differ from your own.
This is not eroding one’s beliefs but abut strengthening them through thoughtful scrutiny.
A robust worldview is flexible, it adapts and grows as you encounter new experiences and knowledge. Allow yourself to modify your beliefs in response to new information. Weave your life experiences into the larger philosophical discussion you encounter.
Not every question has a neat answer. Embracing uncertainty can foster deeper intellectual humility and resilience.
_Commit to lifelong learning.
Developing a coherent worldview is an ongoing process. Embrace the journey of continuous inquiry, learning, and self-transformation. Revisit and reassess your conclusions periodically.
