Weltanschauung
n. any fundamental understanding of the universe and of humankind’s place within it held by a person, a culture, or a subculture (German, “worldview”). Such a worldview will be influential in the material development of a culture, as well as in those theories and philosophies that a culture may produce. It establishes the universe of discourse that prevails among its adherents, affecting their practical attitudes and behaviors as well as their theoretical commitments.