In 1,000 words, answer each of the worldview questions according to your own personal perspective and worldview:
What is ultimate reality?
What is the nature of the universe?
What is a human being?
What is knowledge?
What is your basis of ethics?
What is the purpose of your existence?
Explain what scientism is and describe two of the main arguments against it
Remember to support your reflection with the topic Resources.
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Personal World View of Different Topics
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Personal World View of Different Topics
What is ultimate reality?
The word ultimate reality may have varied meanings in various contexts. Oxford dictionary defines the word ultimate as being last or final in a progression or series. It is a word that may be used to describe something that happens at the end of the process (Oxford University Press, 2022). In that regard, ultimate reality can be defined as the absolute reality that remains after other beliefs, speculations, conjectures, and assumptions have been ruled out. For instance, it is an ultimate reality that Human beings must die one time. Other examples of ultimate reality include the fact that the sun shines during the day and not at night. Also, it is the ultimate reality that human beings need oxygen to survive (Oxford University Press, 2022). One must first get pregnant before giving birth to a baby. All these are realities that cannot be altered. Theories, beliefs, and assumptions can exist about those particular issues, however, the ultimate reality does not change.
What is the nature of the universe?
When one is asked to describe the nature of the universe, that is a question that does not have a specific answer and is based on the individual’s worldview. The world universe describes everything in existence in whatever state it is, on Earth and outside Earth (Shu, 2022). The nature of the universe is not yet explored truly, however, a few things are known about it. For example, the universe consists of the whole cosmic system of matter and energy of which the Earth is part. The earth is just like a small ball in space. The formation of the solar system is probably just one event that occurred among many in the entire universe (Shu, 2022). Human beings occupy just a tiny space in the universe, inside the Planet Earth. Therefore, the nature of the universe is still a mystery, and more are yet to be unveiled.
What is a human being?
A human being is any living thing of the genus Homo and species of Homo sapiens. Human beings are part of the living things that are found on Earth. Human beings are currently regarded as the most intelligent of all the animals found on Earth. They can reason well more than other living things (Smith & Field, 2018). As things stand now, it is only human beings, compared to other animals, who possess free will and a sense of right and wrong. Huma beings possess a superior brain that has enabled them to make sense of the Earth and its resources.
What is knowledge?
Knowledge is a word that describes awareness or familiarity that comes from experience or education. Knowledge can be demonstrated in actions but its presence cannot be physically proven. People are not born with knowledge but have to acquire it through education or by repeatedly doing something for a while (Smith & Field, 2018). Human brains are designed to learn and store information. The stored information after learning is knowledge and can be used to perform tasks or explain concepts.
What is your basis of ethics?
My basis of ethics is more inclined toward the two major principles: beneficence and non-maleficence. Personal belief is that everything that was done that affects another person’s life should neither cause harm nor be disadvantageous to the person (Smith & Field, 2018). One should strive to do good to others because everyone is important. This basis of ethics resonates with the Christian worldview that focuses on love for everyone; one should love his neighbor just as he loves himself. My basis of ethics also takes into consideration autonomy and justice for everyone.
What is the purpose of your existence?
The purpose of my existence is defined by the Christian worldview and my basis of ethics. In the Christian worldview, human beings exist to work for and worship God. As a Christian, I strive to obey God and worship him. Also, it is necessary to do good to other people by helping them see the meaning of life (Smith & Field, 2018). Through love, I observe beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy when interacting with other people.
Explain what scientism is and describe two of the main arguments against it
Scientism is an exaggerated trust in the efficiency of the methods of natural science applied in all areas of investigation. It promotes the belief that scientific knowledge is the ultimate solution to all problems (Hietanen et al., 2020). Scientism also holds the belief that science provides all knowledge in the world and that is it capable to explain all phenomena on Earth and in the universe.
There are some arguments against scientism. The first argument is the (false) dilemma of scientism. This argument is based on the idea that science relies on non-scientific resources to prove its efficiency (Hietanen et al., 2020). It is contradictory to note that scientism believes that science is the solution and the provider of all knowledge yet it relies on non-scientific resources (memory and senses) to judge such (scientific) knowledge and solutions. Critical research requires the ability to think and remember, yet, people’s senses and memory can lead them astray. Pure sense, experience, and individual memory are often not taken to be scientifically justified sources of belief (Hall, 2018). Therefore, one might think that science relies on something unscientific.
The second argument is that scientism is self-refuting. Scientism posits that one can believe only ideas, theories, and claims that are scientifically formulated (Hall, 2018). In case a proponent of scientism is inclined to follow his principles, then scientism needs to be justified scientifically. Critics of scientism claim that it is impossible to make a purely scientific case for scientism. It is rational to accept scientism only if scientism is justified based on scientific research and nothing else. However, there is no empirical or formal research by scientists leading to the confirmation of scientism (Hietanen et al., 2020). Therefore, scientism is unable to meet its standards.
References
Hietanen, J., Turunen, P., Hirvonen, I., Karisto, J., Pättiniemi, I., & Saarinen, H. (2020). How not to criticise scientism. Metaphilosophy, 51(4), 522-547. 10.1111/meta.12443
Hall, S. (April 5, 2018). The philosophical case against scientism. https://quillette.com/2018/04/05/philosophical-case-scientism/
Oxford University Press. (2022). Ultimate. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/ultimate_1#:~:text=%E2%80%8B,weapons%20are%20the%20ultimate%20deterrent.
Smith, B., & Field, L. (2018). Nursing Care: An essential guide for nurses and healthcare workers in primary and secondary care. Routledge.
Shu, F. (2022). Universe. https://www.britannica.com/science/universe