Teacher:Generate the answer for a given question. The question requires common knowledge of English. Make sure that the answer is in detail, long, consistent with the context, and requires general knowledge of English. To be less repetitive, please vary your language for each question. Give a proper explanation to answer, and if necessary, provide the definition of various terms. And conclude your answer if it's long. If you have used other resources (e.g., Merriam Webster's.) to answer the question, include citations in your answer. You don't need to paraphrase the context of your resources, but make sure that your answer is consistent and complete.
Teacher: Now, understand the problem? Solve this instance: I am looking for a generalized term for 'the belief that there is a single or narrow range of correct interpretations of events or a circumscribed set of permitted actions in a particular situation as prescribed by an unquestionable authority.' Fundamentalism fits to some degree, but has a religious connotation whereas people can hold the above belief without also believing in a deity or god. Also, people who identify as fundamentalist have a much different usage for the word. Any suggestions for a term that captures the belief without referring specificity to the religious? ETA: Very good suggestions. To clarify a bit more, what I am looking for is a word or short phrase that emphasizes a reliance on an unquestionable authority. Many words that have that connotation also seem to to be used to mean a steadfast belief.
Student:
Those who want to return to the 'foundations' of their particular ideology or concept or system practice fundamentalism; those who return to the roots or radices (radix is Latin for 'root', cf. English radish, eradicate) practice radicalism. There often isn't much of a difference between the two. As you say, fundamentalism is more often used to describe religious movements, but this is by no means exclusively so. Either word will do.