Sociology

Not one of us can deny the desire to achieve the promises of a good life. But not one of us can simply achieve it in its fullest sense because everyone has a diverse look on what a good life really is. This means that each person may refer to good life in different ways depending on his or her priorities. Good life can mean happiness. Happiness can be the most central and important prudential value in the good life (Brldev, 2007). Still for some, happiness is just one part of so many things that describe what good life is. In this case, aspiring for a good life has to do with how people see life and the world they lived in. More importantly, people often equate good life to good deeds and how these are done. It is then well-understood that good life embraces two important aspects of life and even of the society our world view and our ethical foundations.

Worldview comes from the German word Weltanschauung which fundamentally refers to world outlook or life perspective (Robinson, 2005). On the other hand, ethics comes from the Greek word ethos which means custom, usage or character. Ethics as a branch of philosophy that concerns the moral component of human life commonly referred to as Moral Philosophy (Day, 2000) is not far from the meaning of worldview. According to Paul Riceours school of thought, philosophy is Weltanschauung which gives us the idea that the two core concepts  ethics and worldview  works with almost the same definition. Since philosophy is rather abstract than systematic, the understanding of ethics is based on understanding our own perspectives in life. Agreeing that good life for human beings is based on the peoples outlook in life and ethical considerations, I believe that understanding ones worldview helps people make sense of their world and make choices for living their lives (Robinson, 2005). Thus, our over-all character is being affected by how we look at the things around us so differently. In a sense, this is why people dont think and act the same.

The Nichomachean ethics of the Greek philosopher Aristotle states that moral virtue is the state of character that underlies a choice found in the Golden Mean, the concept of moderation derived from Confucius (Christians, Fackler, Rotzoll, Mckee, 2001). Clearly, Aristotles main framework for understanding a good life can be reflected upon through our view of the world. In addition, Aristotle also believes that we are rational beings who live and reason for a purpose. We can assume that if life has a purpose, searching for a good life can be absolute. The guarantee of our reasoning capability as rational beings proves why we have our own perspectives in life.

Our world view affects our ethical conduct and how it happens is always up to us. Aristotle warns that there is only one way to hit a bulls eye in each situation despite the many ways we can go wrong and it takes full commitment, involving the entire personality, over a lifetime of training (Rosenstand 2000, 353). Our entire personality is built on the grounds of our belief and perception on religion, humanity, or even cultural boundaries. The kind of ideas and actions we own are consequences of our philosophy or worldview. Because philosophy exists through the questions we have in minds, it is able to create possibilities and therefore widens our concepts on something. We must remember that philosophy doesnt provide an answer instead, it continues to ask questions that would help us understand the world.

The relationship between my view of ethics and worldview is consequential. The result of one is the consequence of the other or vice versa. In ethics there is neither right nor wrong and so as in our worldviews. Take for example, what is just or unjust can be regarded either as ethical or unethical, respectively. To everybody, justice is righteousness. Aristotle defines justice as the study of the disposition of just and unjust actions. It means looking at the meaningful picture of just and unjust person (Cahn, 1995). As we all know, justice systems find the most chaotic situations among people of different opinions. What I consider just may not be justice for my enemy. And the result is that I can insist for what I think is right or wrong. At the same time, my enemy would be doing so. The point is we can never hit the similar spot where we can also identify the true meaning of ethics for us. In the world where we were born from various nations with distinct customs, usage and traditions, the value of ethics for us fluctuates.

It is then obvious in the discussion how my view of ethics is based mostly on Aristotles perspectives. Any perspective of any philosopher or thinker can relate to Weltanschauung. Ethics cannot provide for the correct answer and so as Weltanschauung. Ethics cant always be our basis for our deeds. And although our worldview influences the way we decide and act upon the issues and controversies surrounding our social lives, it can subject to change depending on how we try our best to interact with others and the environment.

Like what good life is for every human being, ethics varies. The good life for human beings is definitely based on the outcome of the amalgamating nature of our world view and ethical conduct.