doctrine

n.

1. A statement of position or belief

   tenet, principle, proposition, precept, article, concept, conviction, dogma, position, opinion, belief, theory, convention, established position, policy, attitude, tradition, unwritten law, universal law, natural law, common law, teachings, accepted belief, article of faith, article of belief, canon, regulation, rule, pronouncement, declaration, bull; see also law 2, 4.

2. Several tenets built into a faith

   dogma, creed, gospel; see faith 2.

doctrine refers to a theory based on carefully worked out principles and taught or advocated by its adherents scientific or social doctrines; dogma refers to a belief or doctrine that is handed down by authority as true and indisputable, and may connote arbitrariness, arrogance, etc. religious dogma; tenet connotes a component belief or principle of a system or theory the tenets of a political party; precept refers to an injunction or dogma intended as a rule of action or conduct to teach by example rather than by precept