Perspective

DEFINITION:

A specific viewpoint, frame of reference, orientation, vantage point, interpretive position, or way of seeing through which reality, events, information, experiences, or situations are perceived and understood.

FUNCTION:

Transforms observation into interpretation by determining the position from which reality is viewed and evaluated.

EXAMPLES:

  • Personal perspective
  • Cultural perspective
  • Historical perspective
  • Scientific perspective
  • Religious perspective
  • Economic perspective
  • Political perspective

RELATED SYMBOLS:

RELATED SYSTEMS:

NOTES:

Different perspectives may observe the same reality while producing different interpretations. Perspective does not necessarily determine truth or falsehood; it determines the angle from which information is perceived.

CONTROL TEXT OBSERVATION:

Reality appears differently depending upon where one is standing. Perspective functions as an observation-orientation mechanism that determines how information enters awareness and acquires meaning. Through perspective, identical events may generate different conclusions, emotions, narratives, and interpretations. A change in perspective can alter an entire reality tunnel without changing the underlying event itself.