摘要：One of the consequences of globalization appears to be a radical shift in our traditional value systems. Our identities as human beings are no longer defined by our religions or cultures, but are generalized as a global identity. This new global identity emphasizes the material self-sufficiency of individuals. The dignity of the ‘human being’ is reduced to the level of a ‘consumer’, and our values are redefined in accordance with the requirements of global community. Increasingly, it is scientific realism that guides our value system. This robs human beings of their moral freedom, and the possibility of a meaningful and purposeful life. In this paper an attempt is made to show how scientific realism can be balanced with a recovered philosophical idealism in order to prevent the continued deterioration in the quality of human life.
