Final answer:
A worldview in Vidal's formulation is an overarching perspective that guides individuals in how they perceive themselves and their interactions with the world, influenced by spiritual, religious, cultural, and ideological elements. It is an essential part of a person's outlook or orientation and forms the basis for behaviors, belief systems, and social order.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Vidal's formulation, holding a worldview is essentially the comprehensive perspective that structures how individuals perceive themselves and the broader world they inhabit. A worldview is influenced by a multitude of factors, including religion, spirituality, culture, and ideology. It is a learned orientation, which has both individual and collective components, where beliefs and values inform one's understanding of the nature of life. For anthropologists studying religion, it is important to be aware of the intermingling of these religious, spiritual beliefs, and secular worldviews as they can significantly impact societal dynamics and individual identity.
Worldviews span various realms and form an overarching narrative of social life. They dictate how societies operate and individuals rise to leadership, especially in specific cultures, such as those in West Africa, where the distribution of material goods plays a central societal role. The concept of a worldview also intersects with the idea of ideology and hegemony. Philosophers like Plato and frameworks like liberalism exemplify coherent worldview formations. The views held by individuals, and particularly leaders, shape their identity, sense of purpose, and approach to life challenges, influencing both mental and social progress.