A coherent set of ideas about reality, norms and values, appropriate courses of action, and goals and ideals to be pursued.
- Explanation. Separate ideas may coexist without together forming a usable alternative to an existing order. A system of ideas provides sufficient coherence to explain and evaluate a situation and connect it with a desired direction of action. In ordinary language, a central, directive idea within a system of ideas may be called a principle. Within this theory, principle is not used as a separate technical concept.
Occurs in Propositions
- Proposition 026 – Coherence through systems of ideas
- Proposition 027 – Narrative and transmissibility
- Proposition 034 – Civilisation and support
- Proposition 080 – Class 3: systemic change
- Proposition 082 – Movements require systems of ideas
- Proposition 086 – Divergent tendencies within movements
- Proposition 087 – Civilising function of movements
- Proposition 088 – Organisations within movements
- Proposition 090 – Internal institutionalisation
- Proposition 091 – Civilising beyond the movement
Last updated: 3 October 2026