Orthodoxies, in its plural form, refers to the established or widely accepted beliefs, doctrines, or principles within a particular field or system of thought. It denotes the prevailing or traditional viewpoints, norms, or practices that have gained widespread acceptance and adherence within a community or society.
Derived from the adjective "orthodox," which literally means "conforming to the correct or established teachings or beliefs," orthodoxies represent the conformist or conservative aspects of a given field or ideology. These attitudes or doctrines are usually regarded as fundamental or essential by the adherents of the particular system or community.
Orthodoxies can be found in various domains, including religious, philosophical, political, scientific, or cultural contexts. They often function as frameworks or standards against which deviations or alternative viewpoints are measured, evaluated, and often challenged.
While orthodoxies can provide stability, continuity, and common understanding within a community, they can also limit critical thinking, innovation, and progress. Orthodoxy can become dogmatic, resistant to change, or hostile to new ideas and perspectives.
As with any aspect of society or knowledge, orthodoxies should be subject to critical scrutiny, interrogation, and potential revision to ensure their relevance, fairness, and adaptability to changing circumstances and understandings. In this sense, challenging orthodoxies can be seen as an important aspect of intellectual, social, and cultural advancement.
