I`de*ol"o*gy (?), n. [Ideo- + -logy: cf. F. id'eologie.]
1.
The science of ideas.
Stewart.
2. Metaph.
A theory of the origin of ideas which derives them exclusively from sensation.
⇒ By a double blunder in philosophy and Greek, id'eologie . . . has in France become the name peculiarly distinctive of that philosophy of mind which exclusively derives our knowledge from sensation.
Sir W. Hamilton.
<-- a set of theories and beliefs about sociopolitical goals and methods to attain them; in common usage, such a set of beliefs so strongly held by their adherents as to cause them to ignore evidence against such beliefs, and thus fall into error -- hence a negative trait; contrasted to pragmatism, and distinct from idealism -->
© Webster 1913.