Which term is used for a doctrine or belief that opposes established norms?

Boost your GRE vocabulary skills with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to improve understanding and confidence for the exam!

The term "heterodoxy" refers to beliefs or doctrines that diverge from accepted norms or orthodox positions. It is rooted in the Greek words "heteros," meaning "other," and "doxa," meaning "opinion" or "belief." When someone espouses heterodox views, they are not adhering strictly to the established standards or accepted doctrines of a society, religion, or particular field of study.

In contrast, "conformity" indicates alignment with accepted standards, and "orthodoxy" refers to the correct or traditional beliefs that are widely accepted. Meanwhile, "consensus" denotes an agreement among a group, which also does not imply deviation from established norms. Therefore, "heterodoxy" is the correct term to denote a belief system that stands in opposition to the commonly held views.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy