Dogmatism: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek 'dogma', meaning 'opinion' or 'belief', showing its roots in personal convictions.
• It was first used in English in the 17th century, reflecting growing tensions in religious and philosophical debates of the time.
• The prefix 'dogmat-' indicates a rigid adherence to beliefs, further emphasizing a lack of flexibility in thought.

Philosophy

• Dogmatism contrasts with skepticism, which encourages questioning and doubt rather than adhering strictly to established beliefs.
• In philosophy, dogmatism can hinder critical thinking, as it often dismisses alternative perspectives without consideration.
• Notable thinkers like René Descartes challenged dogmatic views by encouraging doubt and inquiry as a path to genuine understanding.

Psychology

• Psychologically, dogmatism is often linked to closed-mindedness, which can lead to stress and conflict in discussions or debates.
• Research suggests that individuals high in dogmatism may be less likely to change their opinions, even in the face of contradictory evidence.
• Dogmatic individuals often display a stronger need for cognitive closure, preferring certainty over complexity in understanding issues.

Sociology

• In social contexts, dogmatism can create divides, as it fosters an 'us vs. them' mentality, reducing dialogue between differing groups.
• Dogmatic beliefs can influence group cohesion, leading to stronger bonds within a group but possibly alienating outsiders.
• Social movements may exhibit dogmatism, where followers strictly adhere to ideology, sometimes to the detriment of broader acceptance and understanding.

Political Science

• In politics, dogmatism can result in partisanship, causing individuals to support their party’s policies without considering merit or evidence.
• Political dogmatism may limit effective governance, as it can prevent compromise and cooperative dialogue between differing viewpoints.
• Campaigns often employ dogmatic messaging to rally support, which can polarize the electorate and create challenges in achieving consensus.

Positioned at #22,032, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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