What is a worldview?

The first part of this paper proposes a precise definition of what a worldview is, and why there is a necessity to have one. The second part suggests how to construct integrated scientific worldviews. For this attempts, three general scientific approaches are proposed: the general systems theory as the endeavor for a universal language for science, a general problem-solving approach and the idea of evolution, broadly construed. We close with some remarks about limitations of scientific worldview. Content: Introduction.....................................................2 The worldview agenda....................................2 Leo Apostel ..............................................................2 What is a worldview? ..............................................3 Back to the fundamental questions.......................3 Examples of different worldviews........................5 Necessity to have a worldview...............................7 Scientific worldviews.......................................8 Systems theory as a universal language for science........................................................................8 Problem-solving approach......................................9 Evolutionary theory...............................................10 Limitations of scientific worldviews...................11 Conclusion......................................................11 Acknowledgements.......................................12 Bibliography...................................................12 After all, what could be more important or influential than the way an individual, a family, a community, a nation, or an entire culture conceptualizes reality? Is there anything more profound or powerful than the shape and content of human consciousness and its primary interpretation of the nature of things? When it comes to the deepest questions about human life and existence, does anything surpass the final implications of the answers supplied by one's essential