dogma
DOG-muh
/ˈdɒɡ.mə/
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true, often held without empirical proof.
Implies rigid belief that resists revision, questioning, or empirical counter-evidence.
The story behind the word. In Ancient Greece, 'dogma' meant a philosophical opinion or official decree. Over time, particularly within ecclesiastical history, it evolved to mean fixed, unshakeable doctrine that followers must accept without question.
Word relationships
- doctrine: Doctrine refers to a taught set of beliefs, which may or may not be enforced as unchallengeable, whereas dogma implies stubborn authority.
- tenet: Tenet is a core belief, without the negative connotation of unreasoning rigidity that dogma carries.
- skepticism: Skepticism involves doubting and questioning assumptions rather than accepting them blindly.
- open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is the willingness to consider new evidence and change beliefs.
Commonly confused with
- doggedness: Doggedness means stubborn persistence or determination, whereas dogma refers to rigid doctrine or beliefs.
Word family
- dogmatic (adjective): Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
- dogmatist (noun): A person who asserts opinions in a dogmatic way
- dogmatically (adverb): In a dogmatic manner
Collocations
- scientific dogma
- challenge dogma
- rigid dogma
- entrenched dogma
Example sentences
- "The scientific revolution succeeded by replacing religious dogma with empirical investigation." History of science
- "Blind adherence to dogma is the ultimate enemy of scientific discovery." Modern methodology
Memory hook
A DOGmatic person commands their beliefs like a master commanding a DOG. Unquestioned belief.
When not to use
Do not use for flexible guidelines or open hypotheses.
Fun facts
- Francis Crick famously named his 1958 theory the 'Central Dogma' of molecular biology, later admitting he did not realize 'dogma' meant something that could not be doubted!
Related words
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