What are beliefs in the context of a culture?

Beliefs, in the context of culture, refer to the convictions or principles that individuals or groups hold as true. These are the foundational ideas and understandings that influence how people perceive the world around them, guide their behaviors, and shape their social interactions. Beliefs can encompass a wide range of ideologies, including religious faiths, moral values, and ethical principles that are deeply embedded within a culture, affecting various aspects of life such as decision-making, relationships, and community practices.

While honest opinions based on experience, social norms, and shared rituals may play significant roles within a culture, they do not encapsulate the essence of beliefs as comprehensively. Honest opinions are subjective and could vary widely, social norms are often shaped by legal enforcement rather than deeply-held convictions, and shared rituals primarily express cultural practices rather than the underlying beliefs themselves. Therefore, identifying beliefs as convictions or principles effectively captures their role and significance in cultural contexts.