Exploring Worldviews

Worldview
Summarize the definition in your own words below:

Elements of a Worldview
The collection of beliefs within a worldview often includes views about the
following:

● human nature—beliefs about the basic make-up of people; e.g., people are
naturally good or naturally evil, outward or inward looking

● the good life—the goals to strive for in living one’s life; e.g., virtuous action,
personal accomplishment, peace of mind, adventure, love

● equality with others—belief about the status of some individuals or groups in

relation to others; e.g., all people are equal as opposed to some people deserve
special privileges

● responsibilities to others—beliefs about the extent of obligations to others;

e.g., care for self first or care for others first

● relationship between the individual and the state—beliefs about the balance
between individual and collective rights; e.g., individual rights are more
important than the rights of the collective (society) or vice versa

● relationship of humans with nature—beliefs about the way human beings

should look on and act toward the environment; e.g., preserving nature is
more important than using natural resources to support human activity
 ● sources of ethical wisdom—beliefs about the ultimate authority for ethical
principles; e.g., religious deity, science, natural rights.

Factors that Influence Worldview

Which TWO elements significantly influence your own views of the world and
WHY?

1)

2)

Describe one other element not on the list that may also influence your worldview?

Consider your moral beliefs⎯ what you believe is right or wrong⎯ and how did you
get these beliefs? Explain using an example of a belief and two reasons you hold it.
Exploring Personal Worldviews

Use the following chart to begin to explore your own worldview and understand
what factors influence it. You may wish to leave one blank if you are not comfortable
sharing, however just fill in the chart to the best of your ability at this time.

My Worldview: Elements and Influences

Elements of a My Own Beliefs about Influences That

Worldview Each Element Encouraged These
Beliefs

View of human
nature

View of the good life

Equality with others

 Responsibilities to
others

Relationship
between the
individual and the
state

Relationship of
humans with nature

Sources of ethical
wisdom

Historical Exploration

As we explore the chapter you may use this chart to record the factors that
contribute to the Aztec Worldview using the Elements of a Worldview. Look for
evidence in the text and other resources for evidence to support your conclusions.

Aztec Worldview

Elements of a Major Beliefs about Influences That

Worldview Each Element Encouraged These
Beliefs

View of human
 nature

View the good life

Equality with others

Responsibilities to
others

Relationship between
the individual and
the state

Relationship of
humans with nature

Sources of ethical
wisdom

What themes or events shaped the beliefs and values of the Aztec Worldview?