Answer to Question #232807 in Philosophy for Dodo

Question

1. Discuss your understanding of Olthuis’ definition of a worldview.
2. Explain the nature and characteristics of a worldview according to the text of Olthuis.
3. How does a worldview function in your life?
4. Describe your understanding of different worldviews in the communication of the issue of HIV/AIDS.

Answer 1

1. According to Olthuis, worldview refers to a set of fundamental beliefs through which we view the world and our calling and future in it. Therefore, it addresses integrative and interpretative framework that judges the order and disorder standards.
2. A worldview can include natural philosophy; fundamental, existential, and normative postulates; or themes, values, emotions, and ethics. Worldviews lie beneath the more overt facets of a culture. Worldviews are not in a people’s genetic makeup, they are taught. Worldviews are deep-seated i.e. they are usually unexamined and for the most part implicit.
3. My worldview structures my thoughts and actions. sometimes it gives answer to issues dealing with meaning of life, whether i perceive humans as good or evil or whether i believe in a higher power or deity
4. Transformational culture change is capable of translating into significant HIV-risk behavior change in sub-Saharan Africa where the HIV and AIDS epidemic is seemingly unrelenting. Traditional African perceptions of causes of illness including AIDS, perceptions of sexuality, and cultural beliefs inhibiting the usage of condoms are described in terms of the influence of the ancestors, the witches and sorcerers and the everyday life.