Notes on Belief Systems and Ideologies

Resource Description

Extensive Notes on Belief Systems and Ideologies

Introduction of notes;
Definition

Beliefs can be defined as anything someone holds to be true, either because the evidence points to it being true or, sometimes, regardless of the evidence Operate at the micro, meso and macro levels:
o Micro level

I might believe that my ideas are correct, even when faced with opposing ideas.

o Meso level

I might believe that my football team is the best, whether it actually has a winning record or not.

o Macro level

I might believe that my nation‘s values are the ones that the whole world should follow, even when the values of Other nations are more highly commended by important international bodies.
Personal Relevance
o Some beliefs are hard to argue against
▪ If it is a firm one that I am not prepared to modify or negotiate, then the evidence is not particularly important.

o Beliefs are deeply personal features of our being, whether about things at the micro, meso or macro level.
o They influence our identity and our meaning of life.