Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory
Based on the required topic study materials, write a reflection about worldview and respond to following:
In 250-300 words, explain the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism within health care.
In 250-300 words, explain what scientism is and describe two of the main arguments against it.
In 750-1,000 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?
Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory
Spirituality entails various meanings based on one’s beliefs and worldviews. For some people, spirituality is about a belief in God which also shapes their worldviews on a host of issues. Worldviews entail one’s perception of the world, and these views are applied in individual life to attain meaning and purpose of existence. A person’s beliefs and assumptions about the universe and its influence on the way they live constitute their worldview. An individual’s worldview is impacted by their family, friends, education, religion, and financial status, and life experiences. Our worldview changes because of the different experiences that one gets in life and. The purpose of this worldview analysis and personal inventory paper is to reflect on different aspects of the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics and compare it to the postmodern relativism in the healthcare setting.
Christian Perspective of nature of spirituality and ethics in Contract to Postmodern Relativism
The Christian perspective concerning the nature of spirituality and ethics is founded on the
acknowledgment of God as the creator and the genuine distinction between right and wrong. The guiding light for Christians is the word of God as depicted in the Holy Bible. Christians believe in norms and beliefs passed on from scriptural readings and mandates that implore them to place their trust in God. Christian spirituality encourages practices and beliefs that promote a true relationship with God through reading his word and using the teachings in one’s daily works (Newbanks et al., 2018). Being ethical from the Christian worldview implies the knowledge about what is right and wrong and treating others as one would like to be treated. At the core of the Christian perspective is the creation of human beings in God’s image irrespective of one’s social, mental, and physical status. Therefore, the Christian perspective on the nature of spirituality implores healthcare workers to find a connection with their maker and offer quality and equitable treatment interventions with love because all are created in God’s image and likeness.
Contrary, postmodern relativism advances that there is no truth. It advances that people invent truth and it is never discovered. Relativism implies that there only exists subjective opinions or beliefs. For instance, the concept of moral and ethical arguments about wrong and right is different based on this concept (Price, 2021). For example, asserting that murder is wrong or racism is evil are subjective opinions as based on postmodern relativism, there is no genuine right or wrong. Postmodern relativism asserts that human life has the same value as a rock or a raccoon. These two concepts contradict as one advances that spirituality and ethics are essential in healthcare while postmodern relativism advances that there is no truth and human life is not valuable. All these are opinions. The implication is that health care providers must base their perception of care on ethics and values as opposed to depending on what postmodern relativism advances.
Scientism
Scientism is the belief that science provides all solutions to a problem in society. Scientism advances that all things in the world should have a scientific basis for their existence or explanation. Scientism asserts that scientific knowledge offers solutions and is a panacea to all the issues in the world. These include diseases and efforts to find a cure for various health conditions. While individuals who believe in religion seek knowledge and explanations through traditions set by past generations, scientism seeks knowledge from observable things that can be seen and be verified (LeDrew, 2018). The implication is that scientism is the only source of knowledge. Scientism argues that many claims on knowledge, especially from religious perspectives, are false statements and mere opinions of people that do not have any verifications or scientific proofs and evidence. The proponents of scientism are categorical that any truth requires evidential support and not mere assumptions based on certain personal aspects.
Scientism supports most of its truths and realities with evidence. However, some complicated aspects raise questions about the dependability of this worldview. This leads to some arguments against scientism and what it advances. The first argument is that scientism is a self-refuting philosophy implying that it cannot be proven by a contrary perspective based on its position that any truth requires proof or verification. This weakness is against its primary principle that truths require verification. The second argument against scientism is that a limit exists in one’s quest to gain knowledge on particular aspects of the world. scientism fails to explain all things in the world and the realities. For instance, scientism cannot explain moral behavior, the issue of love, and the application of ethics in various circumstances. Scientism cannot be used to distinguish wrong and right as it does not offer explanations to support these components. Moral conduct and use of ethics are essential components in healthcare yet scientism fails to offer critical information and understanding on these areas.
Ultimate Reality
Ultimate implies being or happening at the end of a process or outcome. Imperatively, ultimate reality is the absolute reality that remains after all beliefs, assumptions, knowledge, and conjectures that human beings possess (Newbanks et al., 2018). The implication is ultimate reality is based on one’s worldview. For instance, Christianity advances that God is the alpha and omega meaning that He is the ultimate decision-maker after all things have happened and been said. God has the power to give and take life and is the source of all knowledge with some of the unexplainable aspects of the world associated with him. Therefore, my perception of ultimate reality is the belief in God as the source of all humanity and everything in the world.
Nature of the Universe
The universe comprises everything in existence in different states on earth and beyond as created by God. Human beings occupy only but a small part of the universe that consists of planet Earth. With their vast knowledge and scientific research, human beings are yet to discover what exists in the neighboring planets. This implies that knowledge and its dissemination comes from God. The universe is created by God to give resources to humanity and other living and non-living things (Newbanks et al., 2018). God gave human beings the power to control everything in the universe. The fall of man and subsequent natural disasters and negative impacts witness in the universe was not part of God’s plan but the effects of the first sin committed by the first humans in Eden.
Human Being
A human being is a creature beyond the biological characteristics that define him or her. The man was created to enjoy a special relationship with his maker. Imperatively, God created man in his image and gave him control over all that he created. Humans are created perfectly with their bodies capable of executing all functions associated with their survival. Human beings have a unique relationship with God than other creatures because of their significance (Rieg et al., 2018). They are co-creators with God and possess knowledge and capabilities to rule over the rest of the creation. Therefore, a human being is a creature with inherent dignity and value by being God’s creation based on his image and likeness.
Using his superior brain and capabilities, the human being can make sense of the planet and use its resources in ways that can offer positive results. for instance, man has studied the body and identified how and when a majority of infections and diseases affecting it happen. The implication is that man is at the top of God’s creation and uses his knowledge to advance positive outcomes for humanity.
Knowledge
Knowledge allows people to understand diverse concepts in the world and make important decisions. Knowledge denotes an abstract concept whose presence is demonstrated through the application of acquired expertise and understanding to solving a problem or having a perspective. Based on the Christian perspective, knowledge comes from God to help humans address several challenges in life. Using knowledge, humans can understand most of the aspects of the world and grow their spiritual capabilities. Scientific knowledge and other types of knowledge allow man to develop interventions to improve their lives despite the complex process of deciphering meaning (Rieg et al., 2018). Knowledge emanates from the brain and mind. The brain comprises the physical reality while the mind is the abstract reality with no physical proof. The implication is that human beings require knowledge to process various perspectives on life. Knowledge compliments wisdom and is essential in developing one’s reality and perception of the universe.
Basis of Ethics
The basis of ethics denotes one’s foundation of ethical perspectives on different issues. My basis of ethics is my worldview, which is Christian, which informs me on the values that I should uphold and my upbringing. Christian values of love, humility, and faith form the foundation of my ethics. Love allows people to have mercy and forgiveness from God irrespective of their past wrong choices and decisions. Love bestows on one to propagate what is good to others and resist the temptation to harm others even when they hurt us. The unconditional love and the need to remain ethical and be focused form the foundation of my ethics (Newbanks et al., 2018). My upbringing inculcated certain values like respect and sharing that continue to shape my career as a nurse practitioner.
Purpose of My Existence
God created human beings for a reason and purpose. Core among these purposes is to have fellowship with him and obey his commandments. My purpose is to do God’s will in the world by adhering to his laws and commandments. As a human being, I must impact people positively and help them live values that lead to a better world with limited suffering. As a nurse practitioner, I have the chance to impact lives and do good through care provision and advocating for patients and health populations.
Conclusion
Worldviews implore individuals to develop certain values, norms, beliefs, and perspectives in their personal lives and professional duties. The reflection demonstrates the need for one to develop effective insights based on their worldview to become better professionals and individuals in life. The reflection shows that having a worldview is essential for healthcare professionals as it allows them to develop care interventions that lead to patient-centered care and positive outcomes.
References
LeDrew, S. (2018). Scientism and utopia: New atheism as a fundamentalist reaction to
relativism. In Relativism and Post-Truth in Contemporary Society (pp. 143-155). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Newbanks, R. S., Rieg, L. S., & Schaefer, B. (2018). What Is Caring in Nursing: Sorting Out
Humanistic and Christian Perspectives. Journal of Christian Nursing, 35(3), 160-167. DOI:10.1097/cnj.0000000000000441
Price, R. (2021). Postmodernism as theory and history. In Languages of Labour (pp. 11-43).
Routledge.
Rieg, L. S., Newbanks, S. R. & Sprunger, R. (2018). Caring from a Christian Worldview:
Exploring Nurses’ Source of Caring, Faith Practices, and View of Nursing. Journal of Christian Nursing, 35(3):168-173. DOI: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000474.