Doxa

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdɒksə/

Definitions

1. A term that signifies the common beliefs or prevailing opinions held by a particular group within society
2. The set of beliefs or opinions widely accepted within a community or culture
3. Widely held views or assumptions generally embraced by a group of people

Etymology: The Greek noun "δόξα" (dóxa) comes from the verb "δοκεῖν" (dokein), "to seem" or "to think," so its core meaning was opinion or reputation, what something appears to be, rather than established truth. In Greek usage it could mean reputation, glory, or honour as well as belief, and this range of senses survives in later borrowings such as the doxology, a hymn of praise. Philosophers gave the word its sharper edge. Plato set "doxa," mere opinion, against "epistēmē," secure knowledge, so that a belief could be widely held and still fall short of genuine understanding. English took the word directly from Greek in its philosophical sense, and that contrast between what people accept and what can be known is what the word carries today.