Ideology

A purportedly self-consistent set of ideas, some of which are moral.

Ideologies are useful as Criticism of external ideas but dangerous when they shield internal ideas from criticism through moralizing and dogmatism. An ideology that refuses to submit its own claims to scrutiny functions as an Anti-Rational Meme.

Connections

• •Contains moral claims alongside factual ones
• •Useful for criticizing other ideas, dangerous when self-insulating
• •Can function as an Anti-Rational Meme when it suppresses internal Criticism
• •Part of Culture — ideologies shape the memetic landscape
• •Critical Rationalism demands that ideological claims be open to criticism
• •Related to belief — ideologies often demand belief rather than understanding
• •Dogmatism turns an ideology into a static force