preconceptions

Noun

preconception (plural preconceptions)

1. An opinion formed before obtaining adequate evidence, especially as the result of bias or prejudice.
   • With many of the more general preconceptions of socialist thought the connection of their more practical proposals is by no means at once obvious, and in consequence many men who believe themselves to be determined opponents of that system of thought become in fact effective spreaders of its ideas.1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 422

   Synonyms:

   foreconception

2. A prejudice that prevents rational consideration of an issue.

See all 3 meanings of preconception