Doctrinarianism (/dɒktrɪˈnɛərɪənɪzm/) is a term that describes the adherence to a particular ideology or doctrine, often to the point of dogmatism. The word can be broken down into its components: doctrine (meaning a set of beliefs or principles) and -arianism (a suffix denoting adherence or adherence to a particular doctrine or belief). The spelling of doctrinarianism can be challenging due to its length and uncommon combination of letters, but understanding its phonetic transcription can help with pronunciation.
Doctrinarianism refers to a strict adherence to a particular set of beliefs, principles, or doctrines, often in a dogmatic or inflexible manner. It is characterized by an unwavering commitment to a specific ideology or scholarly doctrine, to the extent that alternative viewpoints or dissenting opinions are rejected or dismissed.
The term "doctrinarianism" is commonly used to describe individuals, groups, or institutions that exhibit a rigid adherence to a particular doctrine or ideology without considering external perspectives or evidence. This rigid adherence can result in an unwillingness to evaluate or question the validity of their beliefs, thus limiting the possibility of intellectual growth or open-mindedness.
Doctrinarianism often entails a strong belief in the unquestionable truth of a specific doctrine and a tendency to view any deviation or challenge as unacceptable. This inflexibility can have negative consequences, as it promotes intellectual dogmatism and inhibits critical thinking and the exploration of alternative ideas and perspectives.
Furthermore, doctrinarianism can also be applied to political, religious, or academic spheres, where adherence to a specific ideological framework may overshadow the consideration of individual experiences or democratic principles. It can hinder progress in fields of knowledge or impede social inclusivity by excluding differing perspectives or refusing to engage in constructive dialogue with those who hold opposing views.
In summary, doctrinarianism refers to an unwavering adherence to a particular doctrine that may disregard alternative viewpoints, stifle critical thinking, and limit intellectual growth.
The word "doctrinarianism" is derived from the noun "doctrinarian", which in turn comes from the word "doctrine". The term "doctrine" originates from the Latin word "doctrina", meaning "teaching" or "instruction". It entered the English language via the French word "doctrine" in the early 15th century.
The suffix "-arianism" has its roots in the French word "-aire", which denotes a follower or practitioner of a particular system or belief. It appears in English words such as "authoritarianism" or "humanitarianism".
Thus, "doctrinarianism" refers to a belief in or adherence to a particular doctrine, often carried to an extreme or rigid extent.