ideologies
/ˌaɪdiˈɒlədʒiz/
NOUN
1. Systems of beliefs, doctrines, or principles
Organized sets of ideas, beliefs, doctrines, or principles held by individuals or groups that explain how society, politics, culture, or the world should be understood and organized.
1.1. Political and social belief systems
Sets of political or social beliefs and principles that guide individuals, parties, movements, or governments in their views and actions.
Synonyms
- political philosophies
- doctrines
- creeds
- belief systems
- principles
Examples
- The political landscape was characterized by a clash of diverse ideologies during the election season.
- Different political ideologies influenced the parties' approaches to economic and social reform.
Related Words
- political movements
- convictions
- tenets
- platforms
- worldviews
1.2. Philosophical and intellectual systems
Organized bodies of philosophical ideas, theories, and principles that provide frameworks for interpreting human existence, knowledge, society, and reality.
Synonyms
- philosophies
- worldviews
- Weltanschauungen
- theories
- systems of thought
Examples
- Scholars debated the merits and shortcomings of different ideologies during the academic conference.
- The course examined how philosophical ideologies have shaped human understanding throughout history.
Related Words
- metaphysics
- ideas
- axioms
- outlooks
- principles
1.3. Religious and doctrinal beliefs
Sets of religious or doctrinal beliefs, teachings, and principles that define the faith, values, or practices of a particular religious or spiritual group.
Synonyms
- dogmas
- doctrines
- creeds
- articles of faith
- gospels
Examples
- The cultural exchange program encouraged understanding among participants with distinct religious ideologies.
- The historical study explored how religious ideologies influenced the development of ancient societies.
Related Words
- theologies
- faiths
- tenets
- convictions
- religious principles
1.4. Core principles and guiding convictions
Fundamental beliefs, principles, or convictions that guide the decisions, behavior, and objectives of an individual or organization.
Synonyms
- principles
- tenets
- creeds
- credos
- articles of faith
Examples
- The organization developed its policies around ideologies that emphasized equality and social responsibility.
- The movement attracted individuals who shared common values and ideologies for positive change.
Related Words
- axioms
- convictions
- values
- precepts
- watchwords
NOUN
2. The study of the origin and nature of ideas
The systematic study of the origins, development, structure, and influence of ideas and systems of thought.
2.1. Academic study of ideas
The examination of how ideas originate, develop, interact, and influence human thought, culture, and society.
Synonyms
- study of ideas
Examples
- The academic program examined ideologies and their influence on the development of modern intellectual movements.
- Researchers investigated the historical origins of different ideologies and systems of thought.
Related Words
- philosophy
- intellectual history
- epistemology
- metaphysics
- theory