Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper
Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper
Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper Part 1
Christian Perspective of the Nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism within the health care
In the current healthcare systems, spirituality and ethical considerations play a significant role in determining care trajectories and relationships between caregivers and patients. In this sense, patients and healthcare professionals embrace spiritual believes and practices to derive meaning from clinical issues such as illnesses. For instance, Christianity offers a religious perspective that establishes the nature of ethics and spirituality. Christians believe that God exercises his will by punishing their sins when individuals fail to repent or acknowledge their failures to uphold the necessary ethical thresholds.
The Bible incorporates ethical and religious expectations for Christians through the Ten commandments that establish the nexus between worldly and Godly requirements for believers. As a result, God’s guidance is fundamental in ensuring that people observe ethical, spiritual, and rational guidelines. The Christian worldview of spirituality encourages love, care, understanding, and respect for all (McGhee. (2019 Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper). Arguably, these principles mean that healthcare professionals focus on alleviating patients’ suffering, struggles, restoring lives, and promoting wellbeing.
Conversely, postmodern relativism brings about a perspective that there is no absolute truth. Rather, everything depends on the situation and contextual application. Therefore, this dimension presents a more liberal understanding of spirituality and ethics because it challenges religious exclusivism. Also, postmodern relativism encourages pluralism and diversities of mindsets, values, and beliefs by challenging the monopoly of absolute truth. Arguably, this worldview is crucial in promoting morality in healthcare settings because it requires caregivers to provide multicultural care without favoritism or religious inclination.
Part 2 of the Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper
Scientism and Two Primary Objections
Scientism is a perspective that strengthens scientific application in defining truth and knowledge. In this sense, the proponents of scientism argue that hard sciences are the only viable and valid sources of absolute truth or genuine knowledge (Hietanen et al., 2020 Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper). Arguably, it is inevitable that pro-scientism ideologies endorse the need to apply empirical and testable variables to establish truth and knowledge. As a result, the scientific worldview implies that something is true or rational if it is a scientific claim with testable evidence and methodological backing (Kowalski et al., 2020). Although scientism does not invalidate other non-scientific worldviews, it challenges their applicability in promoting truth and knowledge.
Arguably, critics of the scientism perspective perceive this worldview as authoritative and contradicting because it endorses science as the primary source of authentic information, knowledge, and truth. Arguably, it is possible to categorize objections to the scientism perspective into two categories, namely the scientism dilemma and self-refutation. Under the first category, critics argue that the scientism perspective of truth and knowledge ignores human capacities such as senses, memory, inference, and introspection because they belong non-scientific foundation of science (Hietanen et al., 2020).
As a result, the proponents of scientism must either reject or accept non-scientific sources of knowledge such as human senses and memory as justifiable entities of human learning. Secondly, the view of scientism as self-refuting relies on the principle that only scientific research and tests can justify scientism. Therefore, when appropriate scientific means to test the validity of knowledge are lacking, scientism fails to satisfy its standards and purpose.
Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper Part 3
What is ultimate reality?
In knowledge and ethical landscapes, ultimate truth means an entity that is primarily supreme and final in deciding the thresholds of truth and knowledge. Often, this concept is prominent in religious constructs, where believers attribute fundamental powers to deities and supernatural forces that surpass human understanding. For example, followers of the Abrahamic religion consider God as the creator of the universe and the essential source of morality and ethics. As a result, it is valid to argue that ultimate reality transcends non-physical and physical dimensions of the world. The concept explains the intrinsic source of knowledge and all-inclusive realities that shape life perspectives.
What is the nature of the universe?
Arguably, the universe comprises synergies between interacting beings, communities, entities, and energies in space and time. As a result, it is possible to define the universe as the totality of existence considering everything that exists presently or in the future. Also, it is essential to explain the universe by evaluating everything that existed in the past. While the view of the universe as the totality of existence is a philosophical definition, my religion views the universe as a glimpse of God because it comprises entities, energies, bodies that reflect the power of their creator, God. Therefore, I believe that the nature of the universe represents Godly order, creativity, and organizational ability that is beyond human comprehension. Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper
What is a human being?
Arguably, it is possible to define a human being from biological and religious perspectives. Under the biological dimensions, a human being possesses natural systems and processes like other organisms. However, a higher level of cognition and mental capacities enable humans to leverage environments to transform their lives. On the other hand, the religious view presents a human as a being in possession of a Godly image. The Bible teaches us that God created humans as different from other animals to act as a steward of other creations. Also, God vested religious responsibilities to humans by drafting the Ten commandments that would establish the relationships between earthly and heavenly expectations. Therefore, a human is a rational being with high cognition capacities and responsibilities the take care of other creations according to God’s will.
What is Knowledge?
Arguably, it is possible to define knowledge by establishing the relationships between facts, information, mental cognition, and the ability to leverage these aspects to understand the environment and its phenomena. I believe that knowledge is the product of experience and persistent learning processes that determine how people leverage facts and information. Undoubtedly, knowledge allows people to enhance make decisions, solve problems, and cultivate a sense of inquiry. Therefore, it cuts across all operational units that define human existence and their relationships with nature.
What is your basis of ethics?
My perspective of ethics relies massively on two broad concepts, human rationality, and religious dimensions. Firstly, I believe that humans are rational beings that learn from opinions, beliefs, and natural awareness. Therefore, my ethical perception under this concept is that the rationality principle requires humans to embrace morality for sustainable existence. Secondly, I believe that religious beliefs and provisions are essential in imparting morality to humans. In this sense, my religion requires me to respect others, desist from all forms of unethical activities or behaviors, and apply ethical considerations in daily activities.
What is the purpose of your existence?
I believe that everybody has the purpose of their existence because we exist to complement each other in abilities, talents, and natural endowments. From a biological perspective, I exist to procreate and promote inter-generational transitions by establishing a family. As a social being, I am supposed to interact with others, work to earn a living, and help the community in progressive ideologies, including solving problems. From a religious view, I exist to serve God by acting in good conscience, observing the commandments, caring for others, and observing all biblical teachings about morality, righteousness, and purposeful existence.
References for Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Paper
- Hietanen, J., Turunen, P., Hirvonen, I., Karisto, J., Pättiniemi, I., & Saarinen, H. (2020). How not to criticize scientism? Meta philosophy, 51(4), 522-547. https://doi.org/10.1111/meta.12443
- Kowalski, C., Fessell, D., Mrdjenovich, A., & Redman, R. (2020). How scientism infiltrated medicine and distorted clinical practice: Scientism may be hazardous to your health. Journal Of Research in Philosophy and History, 3(2), 117-130. https://doi.org/10.22158/jrph.v3n2p117
- McGhee. (2019). Integrating Christian spirituality at work: Combining top-down and bottom-up approaches. Religions, 10(7), 433. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel10070433
Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory Example 2
Nursing has existed throughout the years, responding to the holistic needs of patients and clients. Nursing has undergone many struggles for recognition as a reputable and autonomous profession. The struggle is sculpted in the pages of our nation’s and world’s history. Where science fails to fully explain human beings’ origin and nature, ethics and religion play a vital role.
Furthermore, healthcare providers and patients hold different worldviews on nature and perspectives about human beings, affecting service delivery. This paper reviews the Christian view of the nature of spirituality, explains the concept of scientism and the main arguments against it, and provides my perspective on different worldview questions.
Christian Perspective of Spirituality and Ethics vs. Postmodern Relativism
Religious or spiritual affiliations and one’s cultural background influence their perspectives and beliefs about health. Furthermore, the Christian view on the perceived meaning of life, beliefs, values, and life experiences influence many decisions in healthcare (Rego et al., 2020). Christianity views spirituality as the theological and religious explanations of the nature of God (how, what, and who).
Furthermore, spirituality signifies the interaction and personal relationship between the Christian and God. Christians perceive God as the external, supreme, all-powerful creator, preserver, and controller of everything in the world (Hogg et al., 2022). Christians have an immanent and transcendent belief in God’s monotheistic conception views. Christians have adopted the belief systems presented in the teachings of the Holy Bible.
The belief systems explain the meaning, truth, and purpose of human life and experiences. Therefore, Christians achieve a transcendent state of experience when they pursue the Bible teachings and belief systems. Consequently, when making life choices, humans’ spirituality ensures that their decisions are grounded on the will and guidance of God.
Spirituality also ensures that Christians are more accepting in life. Christians believe God is the author and determiner of all human fate, good or bad. Ecclesiastes 7:14 states that when times are good, people should be happy, but when times are bad, they should make considerations, for God has made both good and bad so that no one can discover anything about their future (Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), 2011).
Furthermore, Christians perceive ethics as making decisions following God’s instructions in the Bible. Therefore, they conform to God’s expectations without any ambiguity. Christians rely on ethics and spirituality when making decisions and accepting choices that restore life, augment well-being, and lessen suffering.
In contrast, postmodern relativism posits that there is no absolute truth, and the world can be perceived and interpreted in innumerable ways (Holtz, 2020). Furthermore, postmodernism views spirituality as ambiguous when arguing about the existence of God.
In ethical arguments, postmodernism believes there is no absolute truth, and one should not discard contradictory opinions. Postmodernism relativism is vital in healthcare delivery as it embraces diversity and promotes multicultural care by accepting that no one holds the monopoly of truth about ethics and spirituality, and doubtful cultural perspectives should not be disregarded.
Scientism and Arguments Against it
Scientism is a broad-based view and belief that the research methods and assumptions of the natural and physical sciences provide more scientific knowledge than other disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, and philosophy. The hard sciences rely on testable, replicable, and factual data, making them reliable.
On the other hand, soft sciences are considered to present conjectures and guesses that are irreplicable and prone to changes, making them unreliable and inferior to hard sciences. Soft sciences are subjective and provide information on human nature that may have contrasting ideas on one principle (Moreland, 2018). Therefore, scientism perceives that the hard sciences possess more excellent fundamental knowledge and intellectual authority than the soft sciences.
The two main arguments against scientism are that it is self-refuting or self-referentially incoherent and scientism’s (false) dilemma (Hietanen et al., 2020). One main global objection is that science is built upon non-scientific grounds. For instance, scholars argue that some metaphysical assumptions, such as presuming that other minds or the external world exist, are necessary for science.
Moreover, human capacities such as introspection, memory, senses, and inference are considered to belong to the non-scientific foundation (Hietanen et al., 2020). Therefore, these dependencies provide significant dilemmas to scientism that closer scrutiny would render scientism false.
The second major objection against scientism is that it is self-refuting. Scientism states that one should only believe or accept the claims obtained through scientific means. Therefore, scientism must be able to be scientifically justified. However, Hietanen et al. (2020) assert that scientism is not and cannot be justified solely on scientific research and, therefore, it would be irrational to accept scientism.
Ultimate Reality
Ultimate reality refers to the existing actuality surpassing the world’s non-physical and physical dimensions. It is the source of all that prevails in the world, the central connecting point, and the absolute power. In the Christian perspective, it is the eternal and supreme being whose transcendent presence governs the universe (Diller, 2021).
Verses in the Bible support Christians’ beliefs that there exists a supreme being. God is the ultimate reality. He endures eternally and is described as omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. I believe I am a product of God’s creation and interactions with the environment around me. My family, community, and other environmental factors have determined my mannerism, values, and life perceptions. These experiences influence my decision-making processes. Had I been born to a different religion or community, I believe I would be a different person with other views on the nature of life.
Nature of the Universe
The universe does not have eternity. Biblical texts add to this view. In the Genesis account of creation, the universe had a beginning. It also has an end, as outlined in the Revelation account of the destiny of humanity and the world. The universe is also changing continuously, with time being the primary form of change. Energy processes drive changes, determining the direction and extent of prioritization processes driving this change.
These processes include energy conversion, competition, evolution, and extinction. They are necessary for determining the nature and direction of the universe. Competition is an unavoidable life aspect on earth and involves struggling to acquire scarce resources that provide the essential energy that drives different processes. When some components cannot cope with the competitive processes either due to disastrous events or effects of direct competition, they are removed from the world through extinction.
Other habitats of the universe evolve to adapt to changes and ensure a better environmental fit. These processes are necessary for the universe and provide a form of natural equilibrium and balance, ensuring that the universe optimally responds to all the needs of its inhabitants.
What is a Human Being?
According to the Christian view, human beings are God’s creation, created in His likeness and image. The mystery of Jesus Christ finishes the picture of humans, and He is the ideal representation of God and the only heavenly and human creature revealing God to humans. Human beings are one entity encompassing the soul, body, and mind within them. Human beings derive their identity from humanity, not acts of consciousness, independence, and freedom. Human beings engage in political, social, and economic activities to benefit all people.
Furthermore, all people possess cognition. Essential components of cognition include memory, awareness, perception, cognitive capacity, and comprehension. These cognitive processes enable people to live fulfilling lives and interact well with others. Unlike other species in the universe, humans can also communicate with each other.
Moreover, people have a high degree of reason and will, are superior to other universal components, and have the freedom to engage and act in deliberate ways, with the capacity for giving justifications for their deeds (Stahl & Kilner, 2019). Lastly, all people have intrinsic human worth and dignity, which must be unconditionally valued and respected.
What is Knowledge?
Knowledge refers to the skills, information, facts, and understanding one gains through educative experiences. Education involves the formal and informal processes that provide an avenue for people to acquire knowledge. The Lancet Public Health (2020) states that there is an intrinsic link between education and the well-being and health of the population. Moreover, education is strongly associated with healthy behaviors, reduced morbidity, and increased life expectancy.
Furthermore, attaining educational experiences and subsequent knowledge and skills plays a vital role in shaping income, employment, and opportunities. The proper professional education and expertise equip a person with complex cognitive thought processes to tackle complex or specialized tasks. For instance, a doctor can correctly diagnose, prescribe suitable treatment therapies, and treat patients. In the same vein, a nurse is prepared to promote health, prevent illnesses, and care for the sick, incapacitated, and dying patients through educational experiences and knowledge.
Basis of Ethics
There is no single idea that satisfactorily answers the question of the genesis of humans. Investigations and research knowledge have been significantly expanded regarding human beings. However, there are human aspects that science alone cannot answer. Philosophical, ethical, and religious beliefs provide explanations that compensate for deficient knowledge.
The basis of my ethics is grounded on religious beliefs, awareness, and personal opinions of what is morally right or wrong. My upbringing and parental guidance have also shaped my ethical basis. I have been taught to respect everyone, embrace cultural and spiritual diversity, be honest in my dealings, and promote the well-being of all people. I also conform to state laws and public consensus when making potentially ethical decisions.
The Purpose of My Existence
My first purpose for existing is to have a family, procreate, have a fulfilling nursing profession, and have a decent income that will enable me to cater to all my needs. I also exist to be a good person and a blessing in other people’s lives, helping them whenever possible. I envision a society that embraces humanity at all costs.
Conclusion
This paper has provided insight into the Christian perspective of the nature of ethics and spirituality and the essence of postmodern relativism within healthcare settings. Healthcare workers should embrace cultural and religious diversity when dealing with challenging clinical situations. Additionally, one should be introspective and define their worldview on ultimate reality, the nature of the universe, the basis of one’s ethics, and the purpose of existence. These questions give one a redefined sense and a better outlook on life.
References
- Diller, J. (2021). God and Other Ultimates (E. N. Zalta, Ed.). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy; Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/god-ultimates/
- Hietanen, J., Turunen, P., Hirvonen, I., Karisto, J., Pättiniemi, I., & Saarinen, H. (2020). How Not to Criticize Scientism. Metaphilosophy, 51(4), 522–547. https://doi.org/10.1111/meta.12443
- Hogg, W. R., Marty, M. E., Sullivan, L. E., Fredericksen, L., Lindberg, C. H., & Hick, J. (2022, August 13). Christianity. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity
- Holtz, P. (2020). Does Postmodernism Really Entail a Disregard for the Truth? Similarities and Differences in Postmodern and Critical Rationalist Conceptualizations of Truth, Progress, and Empirical Research Methods. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.545959
- Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). (2011). Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV – – Bible Gateway. Www.biblegateway.com.
- Moreland, J. P. (2018). What Is Scientism? Crossway.org. Retrieved from https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-is-scientism/
- Rego, F., Gonçalves, F., Moutinho, S., Castro, L., & Nunes, R. (2020). The influence of spirituality on decision-making in palliative care outpatients: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliative Care, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-020-0525-3
- Stahl, D., & Kilner, J. (2019). The Image of God, Bioethics, and Persons with Profound Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of the Christian Institute on Disability, 6(1-2), 19-40.
- The Lancet Public Health. (2020). Education: a neglected social determinant of health. The Lancet Public Health, 5(7), e361. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(20)30144-4