Schools of thought are a broad term used to describe the various philosophies, beliefs, and IDEOLOGIES that exist in the world. ISMS, SECTS, DOGMAS, IDEOLOGIES, and DOCTRINES are all terms used to refer to different schools of thought. ISMS refer to a system of beliefs or principles, SECTS are a religious group that has broken away from an established church, DOGMAS are a set of beliefs that are accepted as true without proof, IDEOLOGIES are a set of beliefs or ideas that form the basis of a political, economic, or social system, and DOCTRINES are a set of beliefs or principles that are taught or advocated.