Ideology /(?)/

I·de·ol·o·gy

Ideology

n.
  1. The science of ideas.
  2. A theory of the origin of ideas which derives them exclusively from sensation. (Metaph.)
  3. A set or system of theories and beliefs held by an individual or group, especially about sociopolitical goals and methods to attain them; in common usage, ideology is such a set of beliefs so strongly held by their adherents as to cause them to ignore evidence against such beliefs, and thus fall into error -- in this sense it is viewed as a negative trait; contrasted to pragmatism, and distinct from idealism.