Ideology

n. study of the origin and nature of ideas (Philosophy); doctrine, philosophy, body of beliefs or principles belonging to an individual or group

An ideology is an organized collection of ideas. The word ideology was coined by Count Antoine Destutt de Tracy in the late 18th century to define a "science of ideas." An ideology can be thought of as a comprehensive vision, as a way of looking at things (compare Weltanschauung), as in common sense (see Ideology in everyday society) and several philosophical tendencies (see Political ideologies), or a set of ideas proposed by the dominant class of a society to all members of this society. The main purpose behind an ideology is to offer change in society through a normative thought process. Ideologies are systems of abstract thought (as opposed to mere ideation) applied to public matters and thus make this concept central to politics. Implicitly every political tendency entails an ideology whether or not it is propounded as an explicit system of thought.
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Noun
1. an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation
(synonym) political orientation, political theory
(hypernym) orientation
(hyponym) absolutism, totalitarianism, totalism
(attribute) conservative
2. imaginary or visionary theorization
(hypernym) theorization, theorisation

(n.)
The science of ideas.
  

(n.)
A theory of the origin of ideas which derives them exclusively from sensation.
  

A set of ideas, doctrines, or beliefs that form the basis of an political or economic system and inspire individuals, groups, classes or cultures.  Sometimes, ideology is understood as creating ideas for certain inspired groups to use as weapons against other groups.