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What is fundamentalism?
Fundamentalism refers to a belief in a strict adherence to a set of basic principles (often religious in nature), sometimes as a reaction to perceived doctrinal compromise…s with modern social and political life. (Wikipedia) For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (Wikipedia) indicated directly below this answer section. Fundamentalism is the term given to an unthinkingly held religious conviction. Unlike many believers, who can rationalise their belief and explain it, fundamentalists take the position that "they just know", and cannot be wrong. Fundamentalists are often associated with, in Islam, suicide bombers and Osama Bin Laden, and in Christianity, with middle America (specifically, Evangelicals). Generically, "fundamentalism" refers to any branch of though which eschews derivative analysis of base works (or facts), and instead asserts that the base knowledge "speaks for itself" - that is, the answers to questions can be found in the original source material, rather than derivative reasoning or supplemental study or experience. Commonly associated with religious movements (especially those which have well-defined originating texts), it also applies to many other things, from political movements, to philosophy, and even scientific fields. In most cases, fundamentalism is seen as a Bad Thing by others, as it commonly discourages interpretive thought, and instead demands rigid adherence to a never-changing fixed set of concepts. However, fundamentalism doesn't have to be detrimental - indeed, in several areas of philosophy and science, a "return to the basics" movement has instead produced significant advances, as the original reference works are re-examined and new insights are gained. (MORE)
