ideology Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation
political orientation; political theory.
noun imaginary or visionary theorization

Ideo- + -logy: cf. F. idéologie.

The science of ideas. Stewart.
(Metaph.) A theory of the origin of ideas which derives them exclusively from sensation. ✍ By a double blunder in philosophy and Greek, idéologie . . . has in France become the name peculiarly distinctive of that philosophy of mind which exclusively derives our knowledge from sensation. Sir W. Hamilton. a set of theories and beliefs about sociopolitical goals and methods to attain them; in common usage, 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 -- hence a negative trait; contrasted to pragmatism, and distinct from idealism