In terms of ethics, I believe we feel happiest when we are acting and behaving in ways that will promote our survival and the survival of our offspring. This does not mean we feel best when we act selfishly, because I believe there is a universal spiritual dimension (also part of the metaphysics of the world) which makes all living creatures feel connected. Therefore, we cannot feel truly happy unless we are behaving in ways that promote the health and prosperity of all of life in general. As human beings with a developed conscience, we cannot ignore our own unethical actions; they will always affect our own well-being in one way or another (less restful sleep, mental or emotional disorders, difficulty learning, lack of achievement, low self-esteem, etc.).
Dominant Worldview in America Today: My Perception
I believe the dominant worldview in America is axiology-based and influenced heavily by modern technology and the media. In the old days before mass media, people were more likely to develop values based on universal truths of goodness and beauty, simply because they weren't exposed to so many alternatives. Today's focus on superficial, material possessions and status symbols leads many people to feel lost; life is meaningless at heart for anyone who is out of touch with their interconnectivity with others and the need to behave in ways that are mutually-beneficial for all.
I believe the majority of people in America are not interested in metaphysics or the origin or nature of reality. We are so busy and caught up in our own tiny little nook of the universe that we see no reason to look beyond it. Most people, particularly in today's struggling economy, must focus their energy on getting through the day, making ends meet, and taking care of family. This leads...
As far as epistemology among Americans, people in general tend to believe they are objective and their beliefs are justified and based on factual knowledge; but this cannot be true since beliefs vary so widely. This variance in beliefs about religion, spirituality, the meaning of life, God, good vs. evil, values, ethics, morality, and aesthetics should clue people in to the reality of reality -- that while we may all believe different things, happy people around the world are happy for similar reasons, and these reasons are related to universal, unchanging ethical principles of goodness and beauty. Therefore, we are wrong to believe that "we are right" (our beliefs are justified) and "they are wrong" (their beliefs are not justified). We are all wrong when it comes to the details, but we are all right when it comes to the fundamental principles of living well and joyfully. We cannot find this joy from an axiological view with a material focus; we must get back in touch with our metaphysical, spiritual essence in order to truly live.
References
Archie, L., & Archie, J.G. (2004). Reading for Philosophical Inquiry: A Brief Introduction to Philosophical Thinking. philosophy.lander.edu.
Lowe, E. (1998). The Possibility of Metaphysics: Substance, Identity, and Time. Oxford: Clarendon.
Steup, M. (2010). Epistemology. Retrieved 01-26, 2011, from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2010 Edition): http://plato.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/archinfo.cgi?entry=epistemology
