Världsbilden

Världsbilden, a Swedish term, translates to "worldview" or "world picture." It refers to the fundamental cognitive orientation of an individual or society encompassing the whole of the individual's or society's knowledge andice of the world, and their values and beliefs. A worldbild is the sum total of a person's or culture's understanding of reality, encompassing their metaphysical assumptions, ethical principles, and epistemological frameworks.

The concept is broad and can be applied to various levels of analysis, from individual psychology to collective cultural phenomena. An individual's världsbild is shaped by their experiences, education, upbringing, and cultural context. For a society, a shared världsbild can be seen in its mythology, religion, philosophy, and scientific paradigms. Changes in a society's världsbild often mark significant historical shifts, such as the transition from a geocentric to a heliocentric understanding of the cosmos.

Understanding a världsbild helps to interpret the motivations, actions, and societal structures of different groups. It provides a lens through which one can analyze how people perceive themselves, others, and the universe. The term emphasizes a holistic and comprehensive perspective, suggesting a coherent, albeit not necessarily conscious, framework for understanding existence. It is a foundational element in the study of human thought and culture.