WHAT IS WORLDVIEW???

Worldview refers to the beliefs that we

have about reality and the nature of
human life. It is the lens through which
we perceive, identify and communicate
who we are.
Our worldview shapes our behavior and all
the decisions that we make.
A worldview should answer the basic
questions:
Who are we?
Where do we come from?
How do we manage our lives?
Where are we going?

A CLOSER LOOK AT WORLDVIEW

WORLDVIEW:

Tells what is important (our values)

Tells us what is right and wrong (our beliefs)
Tells us what to remember in our past (what is
important)

WORLDVIEW is often told or passed on in stories.

First Nations stories tell of the past and their purpose,
of their relationships to nature, explain the cycles of life
and their responsibilities to nature
Canadian writers such as Pierre Burton express the
Canadian worldview and national identity

CANADIAN WORLDVIEW
Canadians share some or all of the following characteristics,
beliefs and values:
Universal programs to care for all (healthcare, education,
social assistance, pensions, minimum wage)
We are peacekeepers, peacemakers; not militaristic
Debate then decide
Spirit or working together, spirit of confederation, working
together
Value diversity
Laws guide us
Protection of our rights and freedoms
We take time to make decisions, negotiate, not overly
aggressive
ANY OTHER IDEAS??????

TRADITIONAL ABORIGINAL WORLDVIEW OF SOME

Elders are respected for their wisdom.

Governing is through agreement, not control of
leader.
All life is sacred and equally important.
People are connected to the community and
ancestors.
Human experience includes spiritual, physical,
emotional and mental aspects.
Life is a circle; time moves through cycles.
All forms of life are connected in a constantly
changing, balanced relationship.
The well- being of the Earth is essential for our
survival and our children's.

A WESTERN WORLDVIEW
All people are to be treated as equals.
Individuality is important.
Freedom of speech & religion are
important rights.
Families are an important social unit.
Basic education should be available to all.
Gaining wealth is important in order to have a
pleasant & comfortable life.
Humans are superior to all other life forms.
Time is broken down into units by which lives are
organized.
Science explains the world and makes it a better

WORLDVIEW CAN CHANGE!!

1. Acceptance of new technology (WWW, printing press,

jet travel)
2. A leader mandating and maintaining policies ( Hitler,
France- Language police)
3. Conflict and conquest (Spanish/Aztecs,
Romans/Greeks)
4. Gradual adaptation (Materialism, open access to
information)

WORLDVIEW ICON ELEMENTS

Geography-climate,
location, land
Time-mechanical/natural
Beliefslife/death/environment???
Society-roles available,
power, status, benefits
Values-how do people act
Economy-control of
resources
Knowledge-developed,
accepted, valued,
controlled

GEOGRAPHY

Where a group lives

The climate
Land formations
Plants and animals
Bodies of water
Natural resources
Climate, location, land

TIME

RELATIONSHIP WITH TIME

TYPES OF TIME KEEPERS
MECHANICAL(watches)
NATURAL (SEASONS)

BELIEFS
Tells us what is right and wrong
The things we believe about life and death
Beliefs about things that become
important to us (the environment)

SOCIETY
Relationships among people
Education, medical and social services a society
provides
Way of life of a group of people (language, rules of
behavior, government, religion, arts, literature, sciences ,
traditions and everyday aspects of life we can observe)
Roles available to individuals
Who holds power?
Does everyone benefit equally?

VALUES
Something judged as important or
valuable to a certain group. (honesty)
How people act toward each other

ECONOMY
The way people produce and distribute the
goods and services they need
Financial systems
How money is earned and spent
How resources are controlled

KNOWLEDGE
The common understanding a group has based on a
shared history.
The scientific, intellectual, technological, artistic and
spiritual knowledge of the time.
How do people develop knowledge?
Who has access to knowledge?
How is it valued?
How is knowledge gained?
Where does knowledge reside?