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For the PHP object-relational mapping framework, see Doctrine (PHP). For the album by Pestilence, see Doctrine (album).

Doctrine (from Latin: doctrina or possibly from Sanskrit: dukrn) is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or belief system. The Greek analogue is the etymology of catechism.[1] Also it is defined as a branch of educations (a belief or set of beliefs) if shows the way of handling and operating an organization. It play the role of glide and frame for the operation.See policy [2]


Religious usage[edit]

Examples of religious doctrines include:

One department of the Roman Curia is called the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.[3][4] Also shows other doctrines involved in the shape of government and politics.[clarification needed][5]

As a measure of religiosity in the sociology of religion[edit]

According to the sociologist Mervin Verbit, doctrine may be understood as one of the key components of religiosity. And doctrine itself may be broken down into four dimensions:

  • content
  • frequency
  • intensity
  • centrality

The content of a doctrine may vary from one religion to the next, as will the degree to which it may occupy the person's mind (frequency), the intensity of the doctrine, and the centrality of the doctrine (in that religious tradition).[6][7][8]

In this sense, doctrine is similar to Charles Glock's "belief" dimension of religiosity (Glock, 1972: 39).[9]

Military usage[edit]


Examples of military doctrines include:

Almost every military organization has its own doctrine, sometimes written, sometimes unwritten. Some military doctrines are transmitted through training programs. More recently, in modern peacekeeping operations, which involve both civilian and military operations, more comprehensive (not just military) doctrines are now emerging such as the 2008 United Nations peacekeeping operations' "Capstone Doctrine"[10] which speaks to integrated civilian and military operations.


By definition, political doctrine is "[a] policy, position or principle advocated, taught or put into effect concerning the acquisition and exercise of the power to govern or administrate in society."[11] The term political doctrine is sometimes wrongly identified with political ideology. However, doctrine lacks the actional aspect of ideology. It is mainly a theoretical discourse, which "refers to a coherent sum of assertions regarding what a particular topic should be" (Bernard Crick). Political doctrine is based on a rationally elaborated set of values, which may precede the formation of a political identity per se. It is concerned with philosophical orientations on a meta-theoretical level.[12]

Legal usage[edit]

A legal doctrine is a body of inter-related rules (usually of common law and built over a long period of time) associated with a legal concept or principle. For example, the doctrine of frustration of purpose now has many tests and rules applicable with regards to each other and can be contained within a "bubble" of frustration. In a court session a defendant may refer to the doctrine of justification.

It can be seen that a branch of law contains various doctrines, which in turn contain various rules or tests. The test of non-occurrence of crucial event is part of the doctrine of frustration which is part of contract law. Doctrines can grow into a branch of law; restitution is now considered a branch of law separate to contract and tort.



See also[edit]


  1. ^ Doctrine - Definition at 2010
  2. ^
  3. ^ "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (Roman Catholic Church) - Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Retrieved 2013-03-07. 
  4. ^ "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith". Retrieved 2013-03-07. 
  5. ^ "The Roman Curia - Index". Retrieved 2013-03-07. 
  8. ^
  10. ^ Capstone Doctrine
  11. ^ "Political doctrine (definition)". 2012-07-20. Retrieved 2013-03-07. 
  12. ^ Dr. Daniel Șandru. "Ideology, Between the Concept and the Political Reality". The Knowledge Based Society Project. Sfera Politicii nr. 169. Retrieved March 10, 2013. 

External links[edit]

  • The dictionary definition of doctrine at Wiktionary
  • Quotations related to Doctrine at Wikiquote