core belief

core belief (plural core beliefs)

1. (psychology, philosophy) An epistemic assumption that defines an individual or belief system and his or its self-perception and is therefore felt to be true regardless of its truth value.

   Synonyms: basic belief, foundational belief, (for religious studies) ultimate concern, (for religious studies) ultimate reality

   Hypernyms: presupposition, preassumption, starting point, bias, prejudice

• limiting belief