Worldviews conceptualize phenomena for explanation and prediction, defining what is to be explained and shaping the frame of that explanation. In doing so, they influence how a theory develops. For example, for Aristotle, movement is of a thing through a medium. For Galileo and Newton, movement is through (empty) geometric space. Therefore, for Aristotle things move only as long as they are pushed. But for Galileo and Newton, the push does not produce motion but change of motion. Here, a selection of orienting perspectives within physical and social science are explored. A key component of successful theory is its ability to depict its phenomena geometrically or visually. Visual depictions offer a means to clearly connect micro dynamics to features of structure. Though their use in physical theories is common, social science has yet to develop a unifying method for depicting complex social structures, a short-coming it must overcome to develop as a science.